Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Invest in Affordable Housing in Moose Jaw

MOOSE JAW, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Oct. 3, 2013) - Low-income seniors in Moose Jaw will enjoy improved housing quality as a result of renovations being made to 20 one-bedroom suites in 10 duplexes located at 189 - 227 Maple Street East. The renovations were made possible by a joint investment from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.

Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with Warren Michelson, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Moose Jaw North, on behalf of the Honourable June Draude, Minister of Social Services and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, made the announcement today. The project is being undertaken by the Saskatchewan Elks Foundation Corp.

"Our Government is investing in affordable housing in Saskatchewan, to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those individuals who need it most," said MP Boughen. "This funding will help people in Moose Jaw access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs. We remain focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care about most: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security."

"The Government of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, is proud to work with the federal government and Saskatchewan Elks Foundation Corp. to ensure Moose Jaw seniors live in a safe and comfortable environment," said MLA Michelson. "Today's announcement is an example of the Saskatchewan Growth Plan in action, where the public and private sectors work as a team to improve the quality of life of all Saskatchewan people."

"Our organization is pleased to fill a community need within the City of Moose Jaw," said Maurice Koszman of the Saskatchewan Elks Foundation. "Through the volunteer efforts of our Member Lodges, as well as assistance from both levels of government, this project will ensure good quality housing for residents for years to come."

The total cost of the renovations is approximately $588,000. The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, contributed a combined total of about $449,000. Saskatchewan Elks Foundation Corp. provided the funding balance of $139,000 through cash equity.

This funding comes as a result of the $55 million Canada-Saskatchewan Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement. Under the agreement, the Province of Saskatchewan will use the funds to create new and renovate existing affordable housing for households in need.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 594,000 households living in existing social housing. In Saskatchewan, this represents an estimated 28,000 households. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the Investment in Affordable Housing. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continues this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. More than 146,769 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013.

In October 2012, the Government of Saskatchewan released the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth: Vision 2020 and Beyond, which sets out the Government's vision for a province of 1.2 million people by 2020. The Plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. Under the Plan, the province has invested $344 million to help create 12,600 new housing units and repair or upgrade approximately 24,000 more housing units around the province.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.