SASKATCHEWAN HOUSING ANNOUNCES NEW RESEARCH GRANT

Researchers investigating housing-related topics in the province may qualify for financial assistance thanks to a new research program announced today by Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

This year, $45,000 will be available through the new Saskatchewan Housing Research Program for qualified applicants researching issues affecting housing in Saskatchewan.

"The program will pull an annual theme from one of the priorities of our provincial Housing Strategy, HomeFirst - for example efficiency in housing markets," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "This grant could then support research that may lead to greater energy efficiency in housing. Over time, the energy efficiency would help make housing more affordable for owners and tenants, which is the primary goal of HomeFirst."

Applicants will be asked to submit research proposals that are related to Saskatchewan-specific housing issues; that involve new research that clearly addresses a specific question or issue; and that use sound research methodology. A Housing Research Committee will review the applications and allocate the funding, as well as determine annual priority research themes.

The Committee is meeting later this month, and will set out some of the specifics for this year's program. Committee members include: officials from Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment, the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan, and the First Nations University of Canada.

The first call for research applications and a priority theme will be announced later this fall. Information will be available on the Saskatchewan Housing website, or by calling 1-800-667-7567.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Debbie Clark Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-8689