CHF Canada media release

Time is Running Out for Canadians in Need of Affordable Housing

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September 3, 2008 – Ottawa’s announcement yesterday of funding for Park Place Housing project in Victoria is welcome news in the fight against homelessness – but much more is needed, the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) said today.

“Time is running out for the thousands of Canadians living in core housing need – paying more than they can afford to live in decent, secure housing,” said Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director.

 “These funds from the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) for a housing project in Victoria are another step towards fighting the scourge of homelessness in Canada, but Canadians need to hear the government’s plans for the major federal housing programs, including the HPS, due to expire in March 2009. Funding for projects like this are an encouraging sign that the Conservatives see housing as an issue, but what’s needed is action, and soon. Canada needs a national affordable action plan, developed in consultation with the provinces, territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and non-profit housing stakeholders, to end the housing uncertainty facing Canadians.”

The funding announcement was made yesterday by Minister of Natural Resources Gary Lunn, on behalf of Monte Solberg, Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

 CHF Canada is the national voice of the Canadian co-operative housing movement. Its members include nearly 900 non-profit housing co-operatives as well as organizations that are closely linked with housing cooperatives.

For more information, contact:

Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director (613) 230-2201 ext. 230, or (613) 293-8913 (cell)

Merrilee Robson, Program Manager, Communications, 1-877-533-2667, ext. 122, or (778) 227-3864 (cell)

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