IQALUIT, December 15, 2011 — The Governments of Canada and Nunavut today announced a combined investment of close to $9 million under a new affordable housing agreement that will continue to reduce the number of households in housing need. The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister Responsible for the for North, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) along with the Honourable Fred Schell, Minister of Human Resources, Minister responsible for the Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, Minister responsible for Homelessness and Minister responsible for the Nunavut Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.

“Our Government is investing in affordable housing in Nunavut, to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those families who need it most,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “This funding will help people throughout the territory access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“The Government of Nunavut welcomes this latest investment in affordable housing for Nunavummiut,” said Minister Schell, “We look forward to working with our federal partners to find long-term solutions that will address Nunavut’s ongoing housing needs.”

The agreement comes as a result of the recently announced Investment in Affordable Housing 2011 – 2014 Framework between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Nunavut will use the funds under the new agreement to create new and renovate existing affordable housing for households in need.

Both orders of government will report annually to the public regarding the investments and progress toward achieving the intended outcomes of the initiative. Recognizing the diversity of affordable housing needs throughout the country, Nunavut will have responsibility for the design and delivery of programs in order to address specific priorities in its jurisdiction.


Today’s announcement fulfills the remainder of a five-year commitment made in September 2008 by the Government of Canada to provide more than $1.9 billion to address the needs of low-income Canadians, those at risk of homelessness, and the homeless.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan

The federal investments announced today are part of the Government of Canada’s $1.9 billion commitment for housing and homelessness programs announced in 2008. The initial phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan built on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, plus $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Government of Nunavut

The Government of Nunavut through the Nunavut Housing Corporation (NHC) aims to ensure fair access to a range of affordable and adequate housing options for all Nunavummiut. For more details please visit www.nunavuthousing.ca

CMHC

To find out more about how the Government of Canada, through CMHC, is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

For an audio quote of Minister Agluukaq (for your use):
mp3 file (585 KB)
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Backgrounder: For more information on the Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Framework visit: www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2011/2011-07-04-0930.cfm