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  November 2006

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Corporate Information > Newsroom > Speeches > 2006 Speeches > Tree Planting Ceremony for Chrysalis Shelter 

Speaking Notes for

The Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Parry Sound – Muskoka

On behalf of

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

Tree Planting Ceremony for Chrysalis Shelter

56 Kinton Avenue
Huntsville, Ontario
September 12, 2006
2:00 p.m.


Check against delivery

Good afternoon. 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, as we celebrate the progress of the Chrysalis Shelter.

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. Once complete, Chrysalis will provide ten units of affordable housing for lower-income families and singles.

Canada’s new government is working in cooperation with the province to fund this project, through federal funding of $280,000 under the Canada – Ontario 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 Ontario, this represents a total of about $705 million annually — in support of about 237,000 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 this project 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 Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group. Your ongoing efforts in the Region are benefiting people in this community who need a safe and secure place to call home.  I applaud your efforts and wish you all the best.

Thank you for joining us today. Merci.