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  November 2006

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Corporate Information > Newsroom > Speeches > 2006 Speeches > Opening Event for Prince Albert Community Housing Society Inc. 
Speaking Notes for

Brian Fitzpatrick, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert

On behalf of


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

Opening Event for Prince Albert Community Housing Society Inc.

425 13th Street East
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
August 23, 2006
11:00 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 Prince Albert Community Housing Society affordable housing project.

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. This project will provide 11 families throughout this community with a safe, affordable place to call home.

Canada's new government is very proud to be working in close cooperation with the Province of Saskatchewan to fund this project, through federal funding of $225,000 under the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Agreement.

Through CMHC, our national housing agency for more than 60 years, the federal government provides approximately $2 billion a year in housing assistance across the country. This primarily supports some 633,000 lower-income households. For the people of Saskatchewan, this represents a total of about $152 million annually — in support of about 35,000 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 Prince Albert 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 also takes creative and innovative people with a vision.

Thank you to all those involved in this project, especially the Prince Albert Community Housing Society Inc. With the creativity you have demonstrated by relocating and renovating these homes, you are thinking outside the box and helping to house those who need it most in this community. I applaud your efforts and wish you continued success in the future.

Thank you for joining us today. Merci.