Speaking Notes for

Mr. Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines

On behalf of

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

Start of Construction for Bethlehem Not for Profit Housing Project

151 James Street
St. Catharines, Ontario
May 5, 2006
9:00 a.m.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

I am pleased to join you on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development — and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation — as we celebrate the start of construction for the Bethlehem Not for Profit Housing Project.

The strength of Canada is the strength of our communities. If we want to ensure that our country remains strong, then we must strive to build healthy, liveable communities in every province and territory across the country.

That's why the federal government is providing support for projects like the Bethlehem Not for Profit Housing Project. When completed, this project will provide 40 housing units for lower-income individuals and families.

We are proud to be a partner with the Province of Ontario in this project, through funding of $1 million under phase one of the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The Government of Canada also contributed an additional $200,000 through the National Homelessness Initiative. This initiative supports homelessness priorities identified by local communities. Funding was used exclusively towards the purchase of this property.

Today's event marks an important step forward for the people of St. Catharines and demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together.

The Government of Canada is working on many fronts to address the housing needs of all Canadians. Through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation — our national housing agency for over 60 years — we provide approximately $2 billion a year in housing assistance, primarily in support of some 633,000 lower-income households. For the people of Ontario, this represents a total of about $705.5 million — primarily in support of about 238,000 lower-income households.

This government believes that all Canadians should have a fair chance to own or rent their own home. That is why the 2006 federal budget provided a one-time strategic investment for the establishment of housing trust funds with provinces and territories to invest in affordable housing.

When it comes to building communities and the housing within them, it takes the efforts of many to achieve success. It takes partnerships at all levels of government, involving all sectors, as well as creative and innovative people with a vision.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in this project, especially the Bethlehem Not for Profit Housing Project. I applaud your efforts and wish you all the best.

Thank you for joining us today.