WINDSOR, NS, Aug. 20, 2019 /CNW/ - Families, Indigenous communities and vulnerable Canadians in need of an affordable place to call home can count on long-term funding for community housing in Nova Scotia thanks to an agreement signed today by the federal and provincial governments.
The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Canada's Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Honourable Chuck Porter, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Nova Scotia, today announced they have reached a bilateral agreement under the National Housing Strategy (NHS). This agreement, which will be cost-shared by the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, demonstrates a joint commitment to prioritize affordable housing.
The 10-year agreement will invest almost $394.2 million to protect, renew and expand social and community housing, and support Nova Scotia's priorities related to housing repair, construction, and affordability. The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia will also work together on the design and implementation of a new Canada Housing Benefit for the province, to provide affordability support directly to families and individuals in housing need. The new agreement marks the beginning of a partnership that will be supported by long-term and predictable funding starting immediately.
This is a progressive housing agreement that commits the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia to new and higher standards of transparency, public engagement, and housing quality, including improved energy efficiency and accessibility. The agreement also acknowledges the importance of prioritizing people most in need, incorporating a human rights-based approach to housing, and applying a gender lens to all investments.
Quotes:
"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home. As Minister of Rural Economic Development, I've heard the impacts on a community's health and sustainability from insufficient and unaffordable housing. That's why we have taken a significant step toward our goal of building strong communities where Canadian families can prosper and thrive, now and for the future." – The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development
"We are committed to continue to address the specific housing needs for Nova Scotians. Everyone deserves a safe, suitable and affordable place to call home. I am proud that our governments are coming together on this joint funding agreement. We will now work with CMHC to finalize the first three-year action plan that will advance our provincial housing priorities, providing more affordable and accessible housing options to those who depend on it, especially for our most vulnerable citizens." – The Honourable Chuck Porter, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
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SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Media contacts: Valérie Glazer, Press Secretary, Office of Minister Duclos, 819-654-5546, [email protected]; Len Catling, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Media Relations, 604-737-4029, [email protected]
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