Provincial and Territorial Ministers for Housing Work Towards Unified Action Plan

FOR RELEASE #08-031
February 8, 2008

VANCOUVER – Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation, Jim Kenyon, attended a recent Provincial and Territorial Ministers Housing meeting in Vancouver, and reported that there is unified agreement to address Canada’s present housing situation for those in need.“Without exception Canada’s provincial and territorial ministers responsible for housing agree that by working together with the Government of Canada we can achieve greater success in meeting the housing needs of all Canadians,” Kenyon said. “Most provinces and territories share some form of housing shortage either because of affordability, the local housing market demands, or a lack of alternate housing options.”

The ministers took a broad view to all housing needs including low income earners, First Nations, and homeless from other causes such as addictions and disabilities. They also considered how changes to the tax system could be used to promote rental housing, how best to support Canada’s existing social housing inventory and how to develop effective partnerships with the private sector, non-profit groups, and local governments.

“Yukon’s present housing situation is similar to other jurisdictions in that demand is out-pacing supply within the marketplace, including rental accommodation and a supply of affordable homes for sale,” Kenyon added. “Yukon’s situation is largely the result of our economy turning around as dramatically as it did over a two-year period which stimulated our real estate market much more than was anticipated.”

“Many other jurisdictions have bigger concerns primarily due to their large population and although Yukon’s homeless situation is much smaller compared to a city such as Vancouver or Toronto, the need for appropriate housing is no less important,” Kenyon stated.

The provincial and territorial ministers will be meeting again with federal Housing Minister Solberg within the next 60 days to discuss the issue further. They will be seeking practical solutions that can be implemented quickly to help Canadians in need of appropriate housing.

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Contact:

Roxanne Vallevand
Cabinet Communications
(867) 633-7949
roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca

Doug Caldwell
Communications, Yukon Housing
(867) 667-8065
doug.caldwell@gov.yk.ca