Canada's New Government Commits $526 Million to Combat Homelessness and Extend Funding for Renovation Programs

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, December 19, 2006 – Today, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, announced $526 million for the new Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), a strategy aimed at combating homelessness in communities across Canada and extending CMHC's renovation programs.

The new Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) will be funded at $270 million over two years.

The new Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) includes:

*Consulting with stakeholders from the private and non-profit sectors and listening to their concerns;

*Partnering with the provinces and territories in the new year to determine how funding will be effectively allocated across Canada, thereby addressing the unique needs of many Canadian communities similar to the Canada-Quebec Agreement model;

*Providing greater access to support networks appropriate to individual needs of homeless people (such as skills training, health and substance abuse treatment) to help them attain self-sufficiency and full participation in Canadian society;

*Requiring that funding be specifically targeted at the development of transitional and supportive housing; and

*Tracking progress in the prevention and reduction of homelessness.

"This announcement will help The Salvation Army give hope today and everyday by investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in communities across Canada," said Commissioner of The Salvation Army, Christine MacMillan. "We are extremely grateful for the generous support of the federal government and we value this partnership and their commitment to supporting vulnerable Canadians."

"Canada's New Government is delivering on its commitment to help those who are homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless," said Minister Finley. "We consulted with stakeholders - those on the front lines giving assistance everyday to families in need - and listened to their concerns. In the New Year, we will bring the provinces and territories to the table to better address the needs of particular regions and communities. But most importantly, this Homelessness Partnering Strategy gives hope to the homeless with sustainable solutions to become active members of Canadian society."

"Today's announcement is good news for Quebec," said Minister Cannon. "Our new Homelessness Partnering Strategy will help ensure that funding is provided for the next two years to help those who need it most, and will build on the existing Canada-Quebec Agreement."

"This new Homelessness Partnering Strategy will allow for important partnerships to develop solutions to reducing homelessness," said John Dickie, President of the Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations.

As a part of this $526 million investment, Minister Finley announced $256 million for the two-year extension of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) renovation programs for low-income households. These home modifications help seniors and persons with disabilities remain independent in their homes, and preserve the housing for people who are at risk of homelessness. These programs will help improve the living conditions for some 38,000 low-income people including seniors, persons with disabilities, victims of family violence and Aboriginal peoples.

To help ensure Canadians have safe, adequate and affordable housing, Canada's New Government also announced an investment of $1.4 billion in Budget 2006. This investment is being made through the establishment of three housing trusts for the provinces and territories to invest in affordable housing.

Human Resources and Social Development Canada's Homelessness Partnering Strategy will take effect April 1, 2007.

All the money is going to Alberta.