Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Invest in Low-Income Housing in Moose Jaw

MOOSE JAW, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Nov. 15, 2013) - Lower-income people in Moose Jaw will enjoy improved housing quality as a result of renovations to 11 suites located at 36 and 40 Manitoba Street East. The renovations were made possible by a joint investment from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan. The project was undertaken by the Riverside Mission.

Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable June Draude, Minister of Social Services and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.

"Repairing rental properties not only helps to build strong and healthy communities but most importantly, it improves the quality of life for residents," said MP Boughen. "Our Government is committed to helping those in need by providing safe, 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 Riverside Mission to ensure that Moose Jaw's low-income citizens live in a safe and comfortable environment," said Minister of Social Services June Draude. "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 Scott Elger, Director of the Riverside Mission. "Through the efforts of our volunteers, as well as assistance from both levels of government, this project will ensure good quality housing for residents for years to come."

The approximate cost of the renovations is$478,000. The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) contributed a combined total of about $330,000. Riverside Mission Inc. provided $148,000 for the funding balance through cash equity.

This funding comes as a result of the $55 million Canada-Saskatchewan Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 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.