Minister Recognizes National Housing Day

Community Services Minister Peter Christie recognized today, Nov. 22, as National Housing Day.

"Housing is a serious issue in our country," said Mr. Christie. "It is important to raise the public's awareness and understanding of the need for safe, adequate, affordable and sustainable housing."

The Department of Community Services is actively partnering with the community to address the issue of homelessness. This includes working with Halifax Regional Municipality on an upcoming study that will determine the extent of the issue in HRM and throughout the province.

"In partnership with the community, we are supporting programs, services and facilities for people at risk of homelessness in HRM," said Mr. Christie. "Together we are working to develop a plan for the future."

Mr. Christie said that over the past three years, the department has addressed the housing needs of the homeless through the Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative, which is funded by Human Resources Development Canada and the province.

"Working together with federal, municipal and community partners, we have developed a Community Action Plan on Homelessness and completed more than 30 projects to improve and expand existing community infrastructure," said Mr. Christie.

The province recently partnered with the federal government on the $37.26 million Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Program agreement that will create or renovate up to 1,500 units in the province over the next five years. Although this program will not solve the housing issue in Nova Scotia, it is a step in the right direction.

"Providing affordable housing makes a big difference in addressing the issue," said Mr. Christie. "However, housing alone will not prevent or solve homelessness. There are many social and economic factors involved and these will not be solved overnight. It will take time and effort on behalf of all levels of government and the community to solve the issue of homelessness."