Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers responsible for Housing

LONDON, ON - August 16, 2001 -- Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for Housing met today in London as part of their annual forum to discuss housing issues and concerns. The meeting was co-chaired by the Honourable Alfonso Gagliano, Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Honourable Chris Hodgson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Ministers discussed the lack of adequate and affordable housing and agreed to continue their work since last year's meeting in addressing housing needs in both the long and short terms, and in urban, rural and remote communities. A key issue discussed was the affordable housing program proposed by the Government of Canada. Provincial and territorial ministers expressed appreciation and welcomed the federal contribution of $680 million.

All Ministers recognized the urgent need to work together on an affordable housing program. They have agreed to reconsider the parameters of the program, notably the maximum per unit contribution and initiatives regarding renovation.

"I am very pleased by the progress made today," Mr. Gagliano said. "All recognize the need to create more adequate and affordable housing for people with a low to moderate income within a cost-shared, flexible program that will address the priorities of every province and territory."

Minister Hodgson expressed enthusiasm about the progress made at today's meetings. "The federal government demonstrated openness on provincial and territorial concerns about the proposed program. The concerns addressed included affordability, provincial/territorial expenditures and program design."

Prior to the meeting, Minister Gagliano and Minister Hodgson, along with incoming co-chair Minister Tim Sale, Minister of Family Services and Housing, of Manitoba, met with representatives from housing interest groups including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian Housing Renewal Association, Co-op Housing Federation of Canada, and the National Housing and Homelessness Network. The Ministers discussed the concerns of these groups as well as proposals received from other housing interest groups.

The F/P/T Housing Ministers are committed to working together, said Minister Gagliano. "We need to act soon, and I look forward to working with every province and territory on this program, which represents an immediate response to the need for new, and newly affordable housing units. We recognize the need for long-term sustainable improvements to the business and tax climate and commit to examine strategies through our joint working group."

Manitoba is pleased to assume the role of co-chair of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for Housing for the next year. Ministers agreed to meet again in November in Quebec to report on progress on their respective initiatives.

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Further Information:

Eric Tétrault
Minister Gagliano's Office
(819) 956-5325

Peter De Barros
CMHC
(613) 794-8828

Alexandra Gillespie
Minister Hodgson's Office
(416) 585-6932