Speaking notes for

Mike Allen, Member of Parliament for Tobique – Mactaquac

On behalf of

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

Press Conference for Darrell Sewell Complex

43 Sewell Road
Jacksonville, NB
July 12, 2006
1:30 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. Today, we are here to announce funding for the Darrell Sewell 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. The Darrell Sewell project will result in 10 units of affordable housing for non-elderly singles in this community.

Canada's new government is very proud to be working in close cooperation with the Province of New Brunswick to fund this project, through federal funding of $250,000 under the Canada – New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement.

Through CMHC, our national housing agency for more than 60 years, the federal government provides approximately $2 billion a year across the country in housing assistance. This primarily supports some 633,000 lower-income households. For the people of New Brunswick, this represents a total of about $57.4 million annually which helps about 18,500 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 Jacksonville 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 everyone involved in this project. Your efforts will make a real difference for many people in this community.

I applaud your efforts and wish you all the best.

Thank you for joining us today. Merci.