Speaking Notes for

Myron Thompson, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose

On behalf of

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development

Grand Opening of The Homestead

209 – 2nd Avenue West
Cochrane, Alberta
June 28, 2006
11:30 a.m.

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Good morning. Bonjour.

I am pleased to join you on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development — and the Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Today, we are here to celebrate the opening of The Homestead. I always enjoy the opportunity to take part in celebrations like this one, especially when it's here in my own riding.

Canada's new Government is very proud to be working in close cooperation with the Province of Alberta to provide $525,000 in federal funding under phase one of the Canada – Alberta Affordable Housing Program Agreement. CMHC also provided the Homestead with an interest-free Proposal Development Funding (PDF) loan of $100,000.

The strength of Canada is the strength of our communities. That's why the federal government is continuing to provide support for projects like this one. The Homestead will provide 21 units of affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, individuals with special needs and working singles.

Through CMHC, our national housing agency for more than 60 years, the federal government provides approximately $2 billion a year in housing assistance. This is primarily in support of some 633,000 lower-income households. For the people of Alberta, this represents a total of about $143 million per year supporting about 40,000 lower-income households.

My government believes that all Canadians should have a fair chance to own or rent their own home. That's why our 2006 federal Budget also provided a one-time strategic investment of $1.4 billion in new housing trust funds for provinces and territories to invest in affordable housing.

Today's event marks an important step forward for the people of Cochrane and demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together. When it comes to building communities, it takes the efforts of many to achieve success. It takes partnerships at all levels of government. And it takes creative and innovative people with a vision.

Thank you to all those involved in this project, especially the Cochrane Society for Housing Options. This project, the first of its kind in Cochrane, will enhance the quality of life for all residents of this community by increasing the supply of affordable housing. I applaud your efforts and wish you all the best.

In a few minutes, to mark this special occasion, there will be a presentation of a commemorative plaque in recognition of The Homestead's opening.

Thank you for joining us today. Merci.