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The Government of Canada and the province of Manitoba are partnering on a joint investment to build new and renovate existing affordable housing. This investment will help create jobs, strengthen the economy, and improve the quality of life for the residents of Manitoba.
 
Both levels of government officially signed an amendment to the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Program Agreement and an extension to the Canada-Manitoba Housing Renovation Program Agreement, resulting in a joint investment of almost $192 million over the next two years.
 
The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Family Services and Housing, made the announcement at a signing ceremony today.
 
The Government of Canada continues to work hard to support Canadians during these challenging economic times, and has moved aggressively to ensure Canada’s Economic Action Plan is implemented rapidly,” said Minister Toews.“We are helping our most vulnerable Canadians, including seniors and persons with disabilities, to access suitable, affordable housing, as well as making needed renovations to existing social housing both in Manitoba and across Canada.”
 
“With the financial support of the Government of Canada, Manitoba can continue to build on a commitment of important housing initiatives,” said Minister Mackintosh. “Today’s announcement demonstrates that together we can provide a strong foundation for Manitobans in need by providing appropriate and affordable housing options.”
 
Today’s announcement includes federal funding of $79 million over two years under Canada’s Economic Action Plan as part of a one-time investment of more than $2 billion to build new and renovate existing social housing in Canada. The province will also contribute $79 million for these initiatives, over the next two years.
 
These investments build upon the $1.9 billion commitment for housing and homelessness programs announced by the Government of Canada in September 2008, which extended the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) and the renovation programs for low-income households for two years. Today’s announcement also includes a $21 million federal investment and a $13 million provincial investment for the two-year extensions to build new affordable housing and assist low-income households with needed renovations to their homes.
 
Included in Manitoba’s projects funded through these initiatives are a 3-storey, 42 unit supportive and assisted living complex for seniors in Grunthal and a 2-storey, 32 unit fully accessible seniors assisted living building in Winnipeg Beach. Winnipeg Habitat for Humanity will also receive funding towards the construction of 10 homes to be sold to low-to-moderate income families, who will contribute 500 hours of “sweat equity” towards building their home. These homes will be built to meet Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart Gold Standard, with eight of the ten built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver Certification or higher.
 
Overall, the federal contribution is close to $100 million, while the province is contributing some $92 million, for a combined investment of almost $192 million.
 
CMHC has been Canada’s national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes and making vibrant and sustainable communities and cities a reality across the country.
 
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.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada.