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)

Placement of a Time Capsule at Former Stokes Seeds Building

36/38 Page Street,
St. Catharines, Ontario

May 23, 2006, 11:00 a.m.

Check against delivery

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

I am pleased to join you today 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.

The internment of this time capsule today, on the site of the former Stokes Seeds building, is a positive step forward for what was once considered contaminated industrial land — a Brownfield. Built in the 1800s, this building was a machine manufacturing plant before becoming a seed plant for the Stokes Seed Company.

When the renovations are complete, this building will once again serve the needs of the community. And years from now, long after residents have started calling this project their home, the time capsule will allow all of us to look back. We will able to measure how far we have come and how much St. Catharines has progressed as a community.

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.

The redevelopment of this site is just one example of similar efforts taking place across the country. In 2005, in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, a chocolate factory received funding towards the creation of affordable housing for lower-income individuals in that community. Similarly, in Ituna, Saskatchewan, a 1950s schoolhouse was transformed into affordable housing, giving individuals with disabilities in that community the opportunity to live independently.

That's why the federal government is providing support for projects like this one. When completed, this project will provide 32 units of affordable housing to seniors and individuals with disabilities in St. Catharines.

We are proud to be a partner with the Province of Ontario in this project, through funding of $800,000 under phase one of the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

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. This is primarily in support of some 633,000 lower-income households. For the people of Ontario, this represents a total of some $706 million — primarily in support of about 237,000 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 Goodwill Industries Niagara. I applaud your efforts and wish you all the best.

Thank you for joining us today.