Governments of Canada and New Brunswick Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Fredericton

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - Feb. 18, 2014) - Four new affordable housing units for low-income families, non-elderly singles and people with disabilities were officially opened today in Fredericton.

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable Madeleine Dubé, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development, made the announcement today.

"Through investments in affordable housing, our government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Fredericton and in all corners of the country," said MP Ashfield. "We are committed to making communities stronger through projects like the one here at St. Paul's United Church."

"Investing in affordable housing is a fundamental part of rebuilding New Brunswick," said Minister Dubé. "This development is a wonderful example of all levels of government, and the entire community, coming together to create good quality, affordable housing that will have a meaningful impact on the lives of residents."

The four-unit development is located at 242 York Street, on the grounds of St. Paul's United Church. This new housing development is receiving $160,000 in federal funding, as well as more than $351,000 in rent supplements from the Province of New Brunswick. The project was developed by the Trustees of St. Paul's United Church.

Funding for this project was made available as a result of a joint investment under the 2009 extension of the Canada-New Brunswick Affordable Housing Initiative.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 600,000 households living in existing social housing. In New Brunswick, this represents an estimated 14,850 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. Close to 177,600 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2013.

These new affordable housing units are part of the New Brunswick government's strategy to rebuild New Brunswick together and enhance the quality of life of its residents. The investments made by the provincial government are helping to build and strengthen communities in New Brunswick by providing quality, affordable housing options for low-income individuals, families and seniors. For more information on affordable housing projects in New Brunswick, visit http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/social_development/housing.html.

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.