Extension of RRAP Housing Program
The recent announcement by the federal government of a $250-million, five-year extension of the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) was greeted with enthusiasm by Guy Brown, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, and the government of Nova Scotia.
"This is good news for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Brown. "The program is designed to improve housing conditions throughout the province, providing an extremely important source of maintenance and essential home repair assistance. RRAP also generates much-needed employment for the people of this province."
Mr. Brown said the program was cancelled by the former federal government. However, as a result of negotiations in 1993 and 1994, the provincial government was able to get this important housing program re-instated.
"I want to thank the Premier of Nova Scotia for his efforts with the Prime Minister of Canada and the federal minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing towards having this five-year program put in place," said Mr. Brown.
The RRAP program will be delivered by the province. It is cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments, with the federal government contributing 75 per cent and the province 25 per cent.
Mr. Brown noted the program is especially important to Nova Scotians because of the number of older homes here. RRAP provides loans and grants to low-income homeowners, and landlords of low-income properties, making it possible for them to make the necessary improvements to bring their homes up to health and safety standards. Disabled residents can also benefit from RRAP, through programs that aid in improving residential accessibility.
By agreeing to fund this program for five years, as requested by Mr. Brown during meetings in Ottawa in the fall of 1997, the province is now able to plan ahead for the next five years.
"We hope to be able to start delivering this program in the near future, as soon as we receive the first financial commitment by the federal government," said Mr. Brown.