Nova Scotians Benefit from New Housing Agreement

A new federal-provincial agreement means more Nova Scotia families, seniors and persons with disabilities will be able to access affordable homes.

The agreement, signed today, Oct. 24, by Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, and Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will see more than $60 million invested in affordable housing throughout the province over the next three years.

"The new agreement lets us continue to provide the kind of housing Nova Scotians need, where they need it most," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "Economic stimulus helped us build 196 new homes and make five years worth of repairs and upgrades to public housing in just two short years.

"We will use these funds to build on that success and work with our community partners to develop a targeted long-term, sustainable, affordable housing plan that will help provide more housing options and improve existing ones."

Between 2009-11, as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal and provincial governments invested $128 million in affordable housing throughout the province. Stimulus projects, like Millwood Place, a $7.7-million, 59-unit, state-of-the-art seniors' facility in Middle Sackville, are happening throughout the province, helping provide Nova Scotia's most vulnerable with more options to access affordable housing. These housing projects are also providing jobs and helping to grow the province's economy.

"Our government is committed to developing and implementing smart solutions to housing," said Mr. MacKay. "This new agreement recognizes the need for local solutions to housing challenges and the importance of reporting on progress on achievement of outcomes."

The new agreement is more flexible, allowing the province to develop affordable housing options that are geared to the needs of low-income Nova Scotians.

"Seniors have very different housing needs than families and persons with disabilities," said Dr. Janice Keefe, director, Nova Scotia Centre on Aging. "Affordable housing can't be a one-size fits all solution, especially when addressing the complicated needs of an aging population. Targeted housing solutions are crucial to helping Nova Scotia's aging population live independently, longer."

Under the Affordable Housing Program, more than 1,600 units have been created or preserved around Nova Scotia. For more information on these projects, visit www.gov.ns.ca/coms/affordablehousing .

For more information on CMHC and the government of Canada's housing plan, visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan .