Governments of Canada and Yukon Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Whitehorse and Rural Yukon
Whitehorse, Yukon, June 25, 2012 — Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Scott Kent, Minister Responsible for Yukon Housing, officially opened six affordable housing units in Whitehorse today. In addition,14 new affordable housing units in Carmacks and Ross River are in the final stages of completion.
The $6.4 million federal contribution to the project comes through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. Recognizing the distinctive needs of the North, Canada’s Economic Action Plan provided $200 million, over two years, including $50 million for Yukon, to support the construction and renovation of new social housing units.“The Harper Government is dedicated to helping those in need in Yukon through these tough economic times”, said MP Leef. “Through projects like these, our Government is providing safe, affordable housing to northern communities while also creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.”
“Since 2009, Yukon Housing Corporation has been ardently planning, building, upgrading and populating our housing”, said Minister Kent. “We are proud to announce that all housing projects under Canada’s Economic Action Plan will be completed this summer. With Canada’s assistance, we have built 139 new units, and retrofitted over 350 existing units. In addition to increasing affordable housing in Yukon, these projects have created economic, employment and training opportunities for many Yukon enterprises and workers.”
In Whitehorse, the Government of Canada provided $2.4 million toward the construction of three duplexes in the Takhini North subdivision. The family units meet Yukon Housing Corporation’s high energy efficiency standards, which use advanced design methods to reduce the environmental impact of housing.
In addition, the Government of Canada contributed $1.9 million toward the construction of seven single family units in Carmacks, and $2.1 million for seven units in Ross River to replace aged mobile homes.
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.
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.
To learn more about Yukon Housing Corporation visit www.housing.yk.ca.
Media contacts:
Young Ong
Communications, CMHC
403-515-2962
[email protected]
Nathalie Ouellet
Yukon Housing Corporation
867-667-5075
[email protected]
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
(3)
