IQALUIT, NUNAVUT- February 19, 2009 – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, highlighted key initiatives from Budget 2009: Canada’s Economic Action Plan that will benefit Northern Canadians, particularly in Nunavut.

Speaking on behalf of Minister Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Minister Strahl recognized the distinctive housing needs of the North, while reinforcing the Government’s commitment to funding of new social housing in the three territories.

“Our government recognizes that housing is fundamental to a good quality of life,” said Minister Strahl. “In the North, housing takes on a special importance, and brings particular challenges.  That is why we have set aside $100 million for Nunavut, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, where the need for housing is greatest.”

"The investments our Government is making today will ensure Northerners have access to the housing they need to participate in the growing opportunities in the North,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Nunavut, who also participated at the announcement.

 “Improving the quality of life for Nunavummiut is a priority of this government,” said Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak. “This funding will construct more of more than 300 new homes and provide employment opportunities in local communities. Jobs, skills, and housing go a long way to raising our standard of living in Nunavut.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $200 million over two years in dedicated funding to support the renovation and the construction of new social housing units. Nunavut, where the need for new social housing is greatest, will be allotted $100 million.

Funding will be delivered through CMHC, under existing arrangements, to ensure a quick start to construction and renovation work.

Today’s announcement supports Canada’s integrated Northern Strategy that focuses on strengthening Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, protecting the North’s environmental heritage, promoting social and economic development, and improving and devolving northern governance.

This funding also builds on the Government’s September 2008 announcement for $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians and the $300 million Northern Housing Trust announced in 2006.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

More information on these and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/home-accueil-eng.asp.