Minister Encouraged with Housing Discussions

Community Services Minister David Morse says the province will be able to better respond to the housing needs of Nova Scotians following recent discussions with federal and provincial counterparts.

"Each province has unique housing needs that require a variety of tools and solutions," said Mr. Morse today, Dec. 7. "In Nova Scotia, our challenge is two-fold. We need to increase the supply of affordable housing in areas of significant demand, while sustaining existing housing stock in the province."

Mr. Morse made his comments following last week's federal- provincial-territorial meeting of ministers responsible for housing in Gatineau, Que. During the meeting, ministers agreed to a common set of principles to guide the development of a long- term strategy for a variety of housing initiatives in Canada.

Ministers agreed to move forward based on the principles of collaboration; flexibility; responsiveness; joint decision making; and empowerment of Canadians regarding their housing situation.

Mr. Morse co-chaired the meeting with federal minister of Labour and Housing, Joe Fontana. It was acknowledged that any agreement must respect the specific needs and priorities of each province.

"More than 20,000 low-income households in Nova Scotia are helped each year through federal-provincial housing programs and we would like to do more," said Mr. Morse. "It is important that we continue to work together to provide better housing for low- income Nova Scotians."

Future talks on improving programs and developing a long-term approach to housing will take place in the spring of 2005. Mr. Morse will continue to co-chair this meeting.