Speaking Notes for

Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds – Grenville

On behalf of

The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Official Opening Sheridan Mews

235 King St. West
Brockville, ON
November 5^th, 2007
11:00 a.m.

Check against delivery

Bonjour. Hello.

It’s a pleasure to be here on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development — and the Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Today, we celebrate the official opening of the newly renovated and newly converted Sheridan Mews apartments. The conversion of these 12 affordable homes will benefit lower-income families and individuals with disabilities in Brockville.

That’s why our government is pleased to have contributed over $250,000 to this project under CMHC’s Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program or RRAP. This funding will be an investment in the lives of the people of Brockville for years to come.

Our government is committed to helping create new affordable housing in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most.  Sheridan Mews will provide safe, affordable housing for vulnerable families, seniors and individuals in Brockville and help them build a better and stronger future.

CMHC’s renovation programs have helped preserve the affordable housing stock in this country, in partnership with provinces, territories and communities. In addition to offering financial assistance to improve housing conditions and housing, accessibility, the program also provides funding for the conversion of non-residential buildings into affordable housing.

The Sheridan Mews Apartments is an excellent example of how this type of funding can be used to convert non-residential properties into affordable, housing. It’s through funding such as this and a commitment to working together that this government is making a difference for all Canadians.

And our government is doing so much more to help house Canadians. Through CMHC, we provide approximately $2 billion a year in housing assistance primarily to support some 630,000 households across the country. For the people of Ontario, this represents $744.7 million in support of some 237,000 households.

Canada’s New Government is delivering on our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those Canadians in need. Our economy is strong, our country is united, and with your help, we’ll continue building brighter futures and stronger communities in Ontario and throughout Canada.

Today’s event marks an important step forward for the people of Brockville and demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together. When it comes to building safe and strong communities, it takes the efforts of many to achieve success. It takes partnerships at all levels of government to get real results.

I would like to thank Mr. Robert Marleau for his vision to convert these buildings. The Sheridan Mews Apartments is a further testament to your hard work, care and compassion for the people of this community. I wish you all the best in the future.

Thank you. Merci.