GOVERNMENTS ANNOUNCE EXTENSION OF RENOVATION AGREEMENT

A $19.9 million, three-year extension to the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) and related programs was announced today by the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.

Funding will help repair and modify homes to enhance housing quality and accessibility, achieve minimum health and safety levels and promote greater independence. It will help create additional affordable housing through conversion of non-residential buildings, as well as help to improve the quality and availability of shelters for victims of family violence. The program will benefit low-income households including seniors, people with disabilities and Aboriginal people.

The renovation programs are cost-shared 75 per cent to 25 per cent between the federal and Saskatchewan governments. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will contribute approximately $14.9 million and the Government of Saskatchewan will provide $5 million for RRAP, which includes program enhancements to repair and improve the accessibility of the housing stock in the province.

The announcement was made today at a formal signing at the Regina Inn by Federal Minister of Finance, Ralph Goodale and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Joanne Crofford.

"The Government of Canada, through CMHC, is committed to rehabilitating housing in need of repair for low income households," Minister Goodale said. "This is an important part of our national affordable housing strategy to preserve and enhance the existing housing stock. It is also an effective and responsible way of supporting sustainable development through the rehabilitation of existing buildings."

"A good home is essential to health and well-being of individuals and families," Crofford said. "The Government of Saskatchewan welcomes the extension of this program. It is an important component of our recently-announced HomeFirst housing strategy that will help the people of Saskatchewan help themselves, their families and their communities."

The three-year funding extension continues a 30-year legacy of effective, flexible partnerships with provincial governments and is based on extensive evaluation and consultation on ways to enhance the program.

For more information, consult the Community Resources and Employment web site at www.dcre.gov.sk.ca

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Lazarou Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-8689

Deborah Taylor CMHC Ottawa Phone: (613) 748-2586