MINISTER DRAUDE TO ATTEND HOUSING CONGRESS IN NEWFOUNDLAND

Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude will participate in the Canadian Housing Renewal Association's 44th Annual Congress on Housing and Homelessness in St. John's, Newfoundland next week. The congress runs from May 1-4 and brings together decision-makers and policy experts from across Canada to discuss common housing issues and identify innovative solutions.

"I know from hosting last year's congress in Regina that this event offers the opportunity to discuss housing issues with policy experts from every jurisdiction across Canada at one time," Draude said. "Our province has been very innovative in delivering new housing units more effectively and efficiently, but we must not be complacent. This conference allows us to look at new ideas that could help us build on the Saskatchewan Advantage for all citizens of the province."

The congress is running several sessions focusing on topics of particular relevance to Saskatchewan, such as responding to housing needs in a growing economy and addressing housing affordability during times of unprecedented prosperity. Along with Saskatchewan representative Don Allen, President of Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, panelists from Canada's other fastest-growing jurisdictions, including Newfoundland and Alberta, will discuss successful strategies for helping the housing market adapt to rapid economic growth and prosperity.

Draude will also participate in sessions aimed at identifying solutions to the challenge of homelessness and developing adequate housing options for Canada's most vulnerable citizens.

The congress follows the Housing and Development Summit held in Regina on April 24 and 25, hosted by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and the Canadian Home Builders' Association - Saskatchewan. More than 200 attendees from across the province discussed various topics with a focus on how to plan and take action to meet the increased demand for housing.

"Our 2012 Housing and Development Summit, like the first summit held in Saskatoon last year, was a great source of ideas for how everyone in the housing sector can continue to work together to create homes for Saskatchewan people," Draude said. "I look forward to sharing our experience at the congress in Newfoundland next week, and to bringing home even more ideas for meeting the housing needs of our growing province."

-30-

For more information, contact:

Trish Alcorn
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916
Email: trish.alcorn@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-1479