OFFICIAL OPENING FOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN LA LOCHE

A new affordable housing development for individuals in the northern Saskatchewan community of La Loche has officially opened.

Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude, made the announcement today.

"The Government of Canada is helping make affordable housing available in Saskatchewan and across Canada for those who need it the most," said Clarke. "The units in La Loche are helping low-income individuals access safe and affordable housing, and build a stronger future for themselves."

"This project is the result of individuals, business and government working as a team to make good things happen in Saskatchewan communities," Draude said. "We know that a supply of safe, affordable housing is crucial for the development of northern Saskatchewan."

The development consists of 12 one-bedroom units, constructed as three four-plexes in La Loche. Federal and provincial funding of more than $1.5 million was provided through the 2009 Extension of the Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The project was developed by Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and will be managed by the La Loche Non-Profit Housing Corporation.

The amendment to the Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which included funding under Canada's Economic Action Plan, signed in May 2009, brought federal housing support of $74 million to the province. The Government of Saskatchewan is matching that commitment for a total of $148 million to assist those in housing need and, in collaboration with other levels of government and community partners, to make various types of affordable housing programs possible. In Saskatchewan, federal-provincial housing programs are delivered through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Saskatchewan, this represents some 29,900 households.

These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $344 million since March 2011 to housing initiatives. These investments are expected to result in more than 12,600 new and rejuvenated housing units in the province.

Since 2002, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has, either directly or in partnership with third parties, delivered 101 new housing units in La Loche, with an additional six units planned for construction.

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.

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For more information, contact:

Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca

Young Ong
CMHC
Phone: 403-515-2962
Email: yong@cmhc.ca

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
Phone: 819-994-2482