The Honourable Michael Duffy, Senator for Prince Edward Island, 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 Janice Sherry, Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour, today announced support for a local housing initiative for seniors.
Funding in the amount of almost $1.5 million has been made available for the initiative through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $8.54 million under the amended Canada – Prince Edward Island Affordable Housing Program Agreement.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.
“Through Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government remains committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most,” said Senator Michael Duffy. “That’s why we’re investing in this project in Charlottetown, which will deliver safe and affordable housing that meets the needs of seniors, including persons with disabilities.”
“We are pleased to partner with our federal counterparts on this significant housing initiative for Charlotte Court,” said Minister Janice Sherry. “This is an important achievement as the project moves closer to the development of a new, modern, energy-efficient home for the residents of Charlotte Court. The project will see the development of a new facility for seniors and will ensure there is no increase to the amount seniors currently pay to rent these affordable housing units.”
This funding will see 48 new units created for seniors, 12 of which will be designated for seniors with disabilities.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.
The Provincial Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour is committed to helping seniors and persons with disabilities of Prince Edward Island reach their full potential. To this end the Department operates housing units across the province for seniors who need help finding affordable, appropriate homes. The Seniors' Housing program supports housing units in 35 communities across the province. Islanders aged 60 and older are eligible for assistance. The Province partners with the Government of Canada to provide this assistance
More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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.