Government of Canada Supports Women at risk in Prince Edward Island

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, July 15 – The Government of Canada and a First Nation community officially opened the Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Women’s Shelter today. The project creates five units for women and their children who are leaving domestic violence situations.”The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to help the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless,”” said Minister Peter MacKay, Minister of Defence and Minister of the Altantic Canada Opportunities Agency on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “We are proud to support community efforts that help find local solutions to local problems. Through this investment, the Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Women’s Shelter will provide safe and supportive housing to women and their children who are experiencing family violence.”

The Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Women’s Shelter received a total of $217,000 in funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Shelter Enhancement Program to offset the construction costs.

The Shelter Enhancement Program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for women and their children, as well as youth and men, who are victims of family violence; and in acquiring or building new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

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

For further information: Joel MacDougall, Communications and Marketing Consultant, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, (902) 426-8320