Posted by Moishe Alexander
Funding of $4.7 million for 52 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on low income was announced today in London.
Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Honourable Chris Bentley, Attorney General and Member of Provincial Parliament for London West on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with David Winninger, Councillor on behalf of Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, Mayor of the City of London, made the announcement.
“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said MP Holder. “This investment is possible through our government’s Economic Action Plan, that is stimulating the economy and creating jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment.”
“New housing initiatives add significant support to the McGuinty government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy,” said MPP Bentley. “We will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program.”
“This multi-level funding is very important to all Londoners, especially our seniors, as we continue to work together to combat homelessness, through the provision of decent affordable housing in our community,” said Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best.
The Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.