Bryony House Receives First Commitment of Funding Under Support for Victims of Domestic Violence


HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 28, 2016) - The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are investing in the replacement of Bryony House, a 24-bed shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Up to $3 million will be committed for the construction of a new building that can better meet the needs of families.

In August of 2016, the federal and provincial governments announced investments in affordable housing under Federal Budget 2016, which included support for victims of domestic violence. Housing Nova Scotia will invest $5.2 million in federal funding to support the construction and renovation of shelters for victims of domestic violence and transition houses. The Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women is assisting shelter services for victims of domestic violence and transition houses with applications for funding. The application process will run until November 4, 2016.

The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Joanne Bernard, Minister of Community Services and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Dartmouth, made the announcement today.

Quick facts:

  • Up to $3 million will be invested in the replacement of Bryony House, a 24-bed shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
  • Federal Budget 2016 investments in affordable housing included $5.2 million to support the construction and renovation of shelters and transition houses for victims of domestic violence in Nova Scotia.
  • The Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women will be working with shelter services for victims of domestic violence and transition houses to complete a formal application process which will help determine the best way to allocate the remaining funding.
  • All funding commitments under the Investment in Affordable Housing program, including support for victims of domestic violence, must be made by March 31, 2018.

Quotes:

"Through investments in affordable housing, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Nova Scotia and in all corners of the country. Projects like Bryony House will provide more than just safe and affordable places to live, they are key to a better life for the residents who will call them home."

- Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants

"The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable. This is why our Government is glad to be involved in the replacement of Bryony House which will provide women and children who are victims of domestic violence with a safe place to live."

- Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax

"The house has done its duty. Bryony House has kept many women and children safe from domestic violence for almost 40 years. We're proud to partner with the Government of Canada to strengthen our community transition houses for Nova Scotians that need the supports."

- Joanne Bernard, Minister of Community Services

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank the Nova Scotia and Federal governments' investment in the staff and management at Bryony House and the valuable work they do in supporting women and children escaping abuse. We are proud to serve as this next exciting stage of growth takes shape."

- Sharon Skaling, Chair, Board of Directors, Bryony House

"We are grateful to the Nova Scotia and Federal governments' investment in the important work that we do with women and children. We are very excited to build a new Bryony House, 'Where hope lives'."

- Maria Macintosh, Executive Director, Bryony House

Associated links:

  • 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 operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.

Stay connected:

Contact Information:

Danielle Tsimiklis
Public Affairs
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-7470
dtsimikl@cmhc.ca

Glenn Friel
Nova Scotia Department of Community Services
902-456-7416
Glenn.Friel@novascotia.ca