Speaking notes for

Rahim Jaffer, Member of Parliament for Edmonton – Strathcona

On behalf of

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

Opening Event for Stollery Place

10554 – 96 St.
Edmonton, Alberta
August 23, 2006
11:00 a.m.

Check against delivery

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 Stollery Place.

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. Stollery Place will provide 18 units of affordable, long-term supportive housing for low-income people.

Canada’s new government is working in close cooperation with the province to fund this project, through federal funding of $450,000 under the Canada – Alberta 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 Alberta, this represents a total of about $143 million annually — in support of about 39,500 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 Edmonton 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 Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation. You have created a wonderful facility that will enhance the lives of the people who need it the most in this community. I would also like to acknowledge the Stollery Charitable Foundation for their work and contributions to improving the lives of so many in the City of Edmonton. I applaud your efforts and wish you all the best.

Thank you for joining us today. Merci.