Moishe Alexander points to Inky Mark, Member of Parliament for Dauphin – Swan River – Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement along with members of the Ebb and Flow First Nation community.

Moishe Alexander – Manitoba and First Nations Reserve

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs, stimulating the local economy and improving housing conditions for First Nation communities in Manitoba,” said MP Mark.

Inky Mark, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette announces $3.5 million investment to retrofit 157 existing housing units in 12 First Nation Communities in Manitoba, as well as $4.1 million for subsidy associated with 19 new housing units to be constructed in three First nation Communities. L to R: Councillor Darrell Mousseau, MP Mark, Councillor Brenda Baptiste, and Murray Marchenski.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, some $75 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Manitoba to address immediate housing needs.

CMHC allocated more than $3.5 million to retrofit 157 existing housing units on-reserve in 12 First Nations communities in Manitoba, as well as $4.1 million for subsidy associated with 19 new housing units to be constructed in three First Nations communities.

“On behalf of the membership of Ebb and Flow First Nation, the Chief and Council would like to give thanks to CMHC (CEAP) program for giving the opportunity to renovate and build more houses for our community”, said Chief Ralph Beaulieu. “The program enabled us to create jobs and gave our people a better, healthy and social setting.”

In addition to the Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, and the Government of Quebec, under the AccèsLogis Québec program of the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), community partners contributed more than $435,000, including $320,000 from the Municipality of Saint-Placide.

“Our government is committed to giving a hand-up to the people of Quebec who need some help during these tough economic times,” said Minister Finley. “Through projects like this one, Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan will continue to create jobs, stimulate communities in all corners of the country and support Canadian workers and families.”

“The development of La Placidienne is excellent news and demonstrates the attention that our government is giving to the seniors of Quebec. Thanks to the combined efforts of the different partners that contributed to this mobilizing project, 20 households can now benefit from safe, quality housing that meets their needs, at an affordable cost,” said Minister Courchesne.

Moishe Alexander notes that 10 tenants of La Placidienne can benefit from the Rent Supplement program, which provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who would otherwise have to spend more than 25 per cent of their income on housing. The rent supplements provided will represent, over a five-year period, over $152,000 in additional financial assistance, including more than $137,000 from the SHQ and some $15,000 from the Municipality of Saint-Placide.

Saint-Placide and the CMHC – Moishe Alexander “lovely”

As well, the Agence de l’efficacité énergétique du Québec has committed to supporting the project with a grant of over $43,000 to ensure that the building meets the Novoclimat standard. The SHQ is giving particular attention to energy efficiency. In fact, starting in June, all projects developed under the AccèsLogis Québec program will have to be designed so as to obtain the Novoclimat certification.

In addition to the Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, and the Government of Quebec, under the AccèsLogis Québec program of the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), the City of Montréal provided more than $1.2 million in funding. This sum will be repaid by the Montréal Metropolitan Community (MMC) out of the social housing fund to which the 82 municipalities on its territory contribute, including the City of Montréal, which provides almost half of the funding.

“Our government is committed to giving a hand-up to the people of Quebec who need some help during these tough economic times,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “Through projects like this one, Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan will continue to create jobs, stimulate communities in all corners of the country and support Canadian workers and families.”

“We attach a great deal of importance to improving the living conditions of the families and citizens of Quebec. This is even a priority for our government. Thanks to mobilizing projects like this one, our seniors will benefit from quality housing that meets their needs, at an affordable cost,” said Minister Lessard.

“The anticipated development of the 67 housing units of La Porte d’or des îles will provide semi­independent senior individuals and couples with comfortable homes and a social living environment conducive to maintaining their health. This new residential project will make a significant additional resource available to the seniors of Cartierville and the borough, as well as to those of Montréal’s black community, who are the developers of this project,” said Michael Applebaum.

“The aging population is growing in numbers, and it is important to build adapted housing to accommodate our seniors and keep them independent in a safe and pleasant environment,” said Pierre Gagnier, Mayor of the borough of Ahuntsic – Cartierville.

It should be noted that 34 of the 67 tenants of this housing project may benefit from the Quebec Rent Supplement program, which provides additional financial assistance to low-income individuals who would otherwise have to spend more than 25 per cent of their income on housing. The rent supplements provided will represent, over a five-year period, a total of $519,500 in additional financial assistance, including more than $467,500 from the SHQ and some $52,000 from the City of Montréal.

Delighted by the funding which was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, Moishe Alexander says that is a federal plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. 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. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $58 million under the amended Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

The Government of Canada wants to improve the quality of existing social housing for low-income seniors, single-parent families, recent immigrants and Aboriginal households. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $850 million under the Affordable Housing Initiative to provinces and territories for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing.

Avalon and Burin Peninsulas video put up by Moishe Alexander

The funding is being used for items such as the replacement of roofing, siding, windows and doors, and a complete retrofit of the interior, which can include the replacement of flooring, drywall, doors, kitchen and bathroom cupboards, flooring, counters and fixtures such as tubs, sinks and showers. The investment will significantly extend the life of these structures for future use.

As part of Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future, the Provincial Government is investing $27 million for housing infrastructure projects, affordable housing and increased maintenance funding over the coming fiscal year. This renovation and retrofit work is in keeping with the goals of the Provincial Government’s Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador — Secure Foundations, which outlines a new long-term vision for social housing aimed at improving the housing circumstances of lower-income households and helping to create healthier communities. A copy of the social housing plan is available at www.nlhc.nl.ca/SocialHsingPlan/report.pdf

The Honourable Fabian Manning, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing), made the announcement today.

“Through Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government remains committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most here in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Senator Manning. “That’s why we are proud to have invested in the renovation and retrofit of these units, which will go a long way to providing safe, affordable homes for years to come.”

“Investing in our social housing infrastructure is a priority of the Williams Government and is part of our new long-term vision for social housing throughout the province,” said Minister Hedderson. “This renovation and retrofit work increases the longevity and energy efficiency of our existing housing portfolio and enables us to continue making more affordable social housing options available for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as our government works towards its ultimate goal of eliminating poverty throughout the province.”

According to Moishe Alexander, the project was built by EcoCité Developments and Les Constructions Sodero as part of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC’s) EQuilibrium™ Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative, which encourages builders and developers to build the next generation of sustainable housing in Canada.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for CMHC, was joined by Claude Trudel, Mayor, Verdun borough; Robert Deschamps, President of Les Constructions Sodero; and Christopher Sweetnam-Holmes, Principal, EcoCité Developments, at the official opening today.

“The Government of Canada is pleased to work with the housing sector to develop such innovative homes. We congratulate the Abondance Montréal: le Soleil project team on its winning design and commitment to environmental responsibility,” said Minister Finley. “Abondance Montréal: le Soleil gives people in this region an opportunity to see first-hand how we can create beautiful, healthy dwellings, conserve energy and resources, and reduce pollutant emissions.”

Abondance Montréal: le Soleil features a highly energy-efficient design, solar energy systems to generate electricity and hot water, high efficiency appliances, water-efficient fixtures and building materials with lower pollutant emissions. The three-storey triplex is located on an infill site in an established area of Verdun and represents a new approach to building in an urban environment. It also demonstrates how the principles of EQuilibrium™ Housing can play a key role in the delivery of healthy and more sustainable housing as part of the overall renewal of Canada’s inner cities.

The Abondance Montréal: le Soleil project team is benefitting from a contribution from CMHC to help defray costs relating to the design and documentation of the project, carrying out quality assurance, and commissioning and demonstrating the project to the general public. CMHC is also providing technical, marketing and promotional support to the team and is supporting long-term performance monitoring and reporting on the project. The other contributors include the Agence de l’efficacité énergétique (Québec), Hydro-Québec, the GeoExchange Coalition and Natural Resources Canada.

“Abondance Montréal: le Soleil is a response to the strong public interest for very green urban homes. This project proves that my vision for net-zero living is an affordable possibility for North America’s cities,” said Christopher Sweetnam-Holmes, Principal, EcoCité Developments. “EcoCité Developments looks forward to collaborating with developers, builders and investors to replicate the le Soleil model.”

Abondance Montréal: le Soleil is one of the winning projects in CMHC’s national EQuilibrium™ Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative competition that was launched in 2006. EQuilibrium™ Housing projects will be open to both the general public and professional audiences for tours, and then monitored for performance by CMHC for one year, once occupied.

EQuilibrium™ Housing offers a new approach to housing in Canada. It strives to balance our housing needs with those of our environment. It brings together the principles of occupant health and comfort, energy efficiency, renewable energy production, resource and water conservation, and reduced environmental impact.

CMHC has worked closely with many stakeholders to develop and deploy the EQuilibrium™ Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative. In particular, CMHC has collaborated closely with Natural Resources Canada which has contributed substantial research and development expertise and resources to advancing the initiative.

Moishe Alexander Deeply Pleased by Housing Project in Verdun

The Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Halton, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Kevin Flynn, Member of Provincial Parliament for Oakville, on behalf of Jim Bradley, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Gary Carr, Halton Regional Chair along with Gordon Krantz, Mayor of the Town of Milton,and Jeff Knoll, President of the Halton Community Housing Corporation, made the announcement.

Victory for Halton Region Moishe Alexander posts video

“Locally, this achievement gives a hand-up to individuals and families who need safe, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said Minister Raitt. “Our government is investing in this project to get the local economy moving, creating immediate jobs and economic stimulus for the community.”

“The McGuinty government is helping build new affordable units for those in need in Halton,” said MPP Flynn. “This new project is also part of our Open Ontario plan to create jobs and economic opportunities in the Town of Milton and the whole region.”

“On behalf of Halton Regional Council, I would like to thank the provincial and federal governments for this significant commitment in Halton,” said Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We have worked hard to get this project in place and are very pleased to get started and get our seniors housed in this wonderful building, just steps from the Milton Seniors Activity Centre and local shopping centre. The creation of these units in Milton will provide residents with access to safe, affordable housing, in the community they call home.”

“As Mayor of the Town of Milton and Halton Regional Councillor, I am pleased to be a part of the groundbreaking for this much-needed project,” said Milton Mayor Gord Krantz. “I would like to thank our federal and provincial partners at the Province for recognizing the need to fund affordable housing for low-income seniors and people with disabilities in Milton.”

These 40 affordable rental units are part of an 80-unit project located at Ontario Street and Childs Drive. The approximately $4.8 million in federal and provincial funding is complemented by $10.1 million in municipal financial incentives.

Moishe Alexander states: The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this and provides $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

The Government of Canada announced today that one housing co-operative located in Owen Sound will receive more than $384,000 through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made at the Ainslie Wood Housing Co-operative by Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce – Grey – Owen Sound, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said MP Miller. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will not only improve the quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable, but it will also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs.”

The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The housing co-operative that will receive a contribution from the Government of Canada being announced today is Ainslie Wood Housing Co-operative.

“We congratulate and thank the federal government, Mr. Miller and CMHC for making a sound investment to help ensure that this affordable community is preserved as a legacy for the long-term benefit of its residents,” said Ken Elliott, President of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. “Today’s announcement is an excellent example of stimulus funding that works towards helping to preserve jobs, assisting the local economy and protecting a valuable source of affordable housing for Canadians.”

The Government of Canada announced today that 36 housing co-operatives and non-profit organizations located in the greater Outaouais region will receive more than $1.8 million through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Pontiac, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said Minister Cannon. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like these ones, will not only improve the quality of life of the residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs.”

The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects that they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing that it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The housing co-operatives and non-profit organizations that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada being announced today are listed in the attached backgrounder.

“The financial contributions provided under the federal renovation and retrofit initiative administered by CMHC will benefit the residents of Shawville Apartments inc.,” said Dr. Earl Potvin, Chair of the Board of Directors, Shawville Apartments Inc. “In fact, these funds will serve to replace the windows to ensure our quality of life. We are very pleased to have received this funding, which will help improve the comfort and safety of our residents.”

The Government of Canada announced today that one housing co-operative located in Peterborough will receive more than $291,000 through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made at the Kawartha Village Co-op by Dean Del Mastro, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said MP Del Mastro. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will not only improve the quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable, but it will also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs.”

The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The housing co-operative that will receive a contribution from the Government of Canada being announced today is Kawartha Village Co-op.

“We commend and thank the federal government, Mr. Del Mastro and CMHC for making a sound investment to help ensure that this affordable community is preserved as a legacy for the long-term benefit of its residents”, said David Granovsky, Government Relations Co-ordinator for the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. “Today’s announcement shows how stimulus funding helps to preserve jobs, assist the local economy and protect valuable affordable housing assets for Canadians.”

“We are very pleased to be receiving the Renovation and Retrofit grant through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve our cooperative,” said Mary Earls, President, Kawartha Village Co-operative Homes Incorporated. “These significant renovations will have a tremendous positive impact for our members and their quality of life.”

The announcement was made in Montréal, at Maison Jean-Brillant, by Senator Claude Carignan, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), in the company of Richard McConomy, Chair of the Board of Directors, Maison Bieler inc.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said Senator Claude Carignan. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like these ones, will not only improve the quality of life of the residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable but also help stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan,  announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by Provinces and Territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects that they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing that it directly administers. Repairs that are eligible for funding include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

As of February 1, 2010, CMHC is accepting applications from eligible project sponsors for the remaining $75 million funding for Phase II of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Sponsor groups can apply online or through the mail. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The housing co-operatives that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada being announced today are listed in the attached backgrounder.

“The financial contribution of $259,893 provided under the federal renovation and retrofit initiative administered by CMHC will benefit the residents of Maison Jean-Brillant,” said Richard McConomy, Chair of the Board of Directors, Maison Bieler inc. “In fact, these funds will serve to renovate the elevator systems to ensure the safety of the residents. We are very pleased to have received this funding, which will help improve the quality of life and safety of our residents.”

Posted by Moishe Alexander, the CEO of Canadian Fundiing Corp.