Minister Finley Delivers Keynote Address at Conference on Housing and Homelessness

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Feb. 18, 2009) - The Government of Canada is helping those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless build a stronger future for themselves.

Today, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), gave a keynote address at Growing Home: Housing and Homelessness in Canada, the second national conference on homelessness.

"Our government supports many Canadians with housing needs and is fulfilling its commitment to help those seeking to break free of the cycle of homelessness and poverty," said Minister Finley. "That's why I am pleased that our Government's Economic Action Plan outlines major investments for low-income Canadians that will allow governments to work together to improve the quality and energy efficiency of up to 200,000 social housing units for Canadians who need it most."

The Minister delivered the keynote address at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work, as part of a three-day conference aimed at providing a venue for sharing ideas, experiences, research and best practices regarding homelessness. A wide range of individuals attended the conference, including people who are, have been or are at risk of becoming homeless, service providers, policymakers, academics and students.

"Our government is working hard at breaking down barriers that prevent Canadians from achieving self-sufficiency and full participation in society," said Minister Finley.

In September 2008, the Government of Canada announced $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs for low-income Canadians. This funding will ensure we can continue to assist those who need support, including homeless people and those at risk of homelessness-low-income Canadians, seniors, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal Canadians.

This funding was confirmed in the Economic Action Plan. In addition, the Government is taking action to strengthen the country's economy with a further investment of more than $2 billion over two years to build new and renovate existing social housing, as well as up to $2 billion in low-cost loans to fund housing-related infrastructure.

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy recognizes that housing stability is essential to self-sufficiency and full participation in Canadian society. It focuses on transitional and supportive housing to help people overcome homelessness. With its clear goals of improved partnerships, enhanced sustainability and tangible results, the Strategy provides concrete, meaningful and lasting results for Canadians in need.

As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians gain access to a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes-homes that will continue to create vibrant, healthy communities and cities across the country.