Social Infrastructure Spending Strengthens Communities and Grows the Economy in Nova Scotia

CAMBRIDGE, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Aug. 17, 2016) - The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, along with the Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia, and the Honourable Joanne Bernard, Minister responsible for Housing Nova Scotia, today announced measures to give Canadians greater access to more affordable housing, including the doubling of current funding under the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH), supporting affordable housing for seniors, building and renovating shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence, and addressing repairs and improving energy and water efficiency of existing social housing.

Federal Budget 2016 investments in affordable housing will provide targeted support to those who need it most, including in Nova Scotia, and create good jobs that help grow Canada's economy in a clean and sustainable way. The federal and provincial governments will work together to quickly deliver the new funding.

Quotes

"All Canadians need and deserve housing that is safe, adequate and affordable. Through new investments in housing, the Government is helping to strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life for Canadians, providing better places to live and grow." - Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings--Hants

"Creating opportunities for Nova Scotians to access safe and affordable housing is a major priority for our government. We have made good progress improving access and reducing wait lists and I am pleased to continue that momentum with this expanded partnership agreement with the federal government. I'll be even more pleased when we have details to share on new and expanded programs for people in need across the province." - Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is investing an additional $53.4 million over the next two years to help the people of Nova Scotia in need access affordable housing.
• The new federal government funding includes:
  • $8.6 million to support the construction, repair and adaption of affordable housing for seniors;
  • $5.2 million to support the construction and renovation of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence; and
  • $18.2 million to help address the increasing demand for repairs as social housing units age, and to improve efficiency and reduce energy and water use.
• The funding levels under the IAH have also been doubled to $21.4 million by each Government over two years.
• The Government of Nova Scotia is responsible for choosing the programs they design and deliver, and also has the flexibility to invest in a range of affordable housing programs in order to meet local needs. Initiatives can include, for example, new construction, renovation, affordability assistance and independent living (accessibility, modifications for persons with disabilities and seniors), and support of accommodations for victims of family violence.
• The funding is in addition to $102 million joint five-year funding provided by the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia under the IAH agreement to help create more affordable housing options in Nova Scotia.

Stay Connected

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC's operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca or follow CMHC on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook

Canadians are invited to help shape a National Housing Strategy by joining the conversation on www.LetsTalkHousing.ca. Your ideas will contribute to the future of housing in Canada.

BACKGROUNDER

Investments in Affordable Housing in Canada

Measures over the next two years to give Canadians greater access to more affordable housing include:

• Doubling of the current IAH funding levels by the Government of Canada and provinces and territories, to more than $1 billion over two years, starting in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.

• Through the IAH, the Government of Canada is also providing over two years:
  
  • $200.1 million to support the construction, repair and adaption of affordable housing for seniors;
  • $89.9 million to support victims of family violence, and the construction and renovation of shelters and transition houses; and,
  • $177.7 million(i) to address the housing needs in the North and Inuit communities.
  • $490 million for retrofits and renovations of social housing units in Canada. This funding is in addition to the $77.7 million being delivered by the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

(i) Part of this funding may be delivered through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).