May 30, 2009
Renovation Funding a Boost for the Co-Op Housing Sector
VICTORIA— Speaking to delegates at the Co-operative Housing
Federation of Canada‘s (CHFC) Annual General Meeting,
Mr. Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable
Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation (CMHC), today highlighted investments under Canada’s
Economic Action Plan aimed at the renovation and retrofit of
existing social housing.
“Across Canada, social housing helps almost 625,000 households
and we know that much of this housing is getting older,”
said Mr. Komarnicki. “Our investments will provide money
to renovate and energy-retrofit social housing and improve the
quality of life for residents of these communities by keeping
their homes safe and affordable.”
As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government
announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit.
Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency
upgrades or conversions and modifications in support of persons
with disabilities. Overall, Canada’s Economic Action Plan
provides $7.8 billion to build quality housing, stimulate construction,
encourage home ownership and enhance energy efficiency.
“Our government is taking timely and focused action to
invest in housing,” added Mr. Komarnicki. “These
investments will not only build quality housing but they will
stimulate construction, encourage home ownership and enhance
energy efficiency.”
During his remarks, Mr. Komarnicki also presented the CMHC Award
for Outstanding Contribution to Co-operative Housing. The award,
recognizing the achievements of individuals and organizations
who have made significant contributions to co-operative housing
in Canada, was presented to representatives of the Federal Co-operative
Housing Stabilization Fund.
As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more
than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety
of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes
— homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy
communities and cities across the country.
CHF Canada is the national voice of the Canadian co-operative
housing movement. Its members include nearly 900 non-profit
housing co-operatives and other organizations across Canada.
More than a quarter of a million Canadians live in housing co-ops,
in every province and territory.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC
are working to build stronger homes and communities for all
Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit
www.actionplan.gc.ca
