Ministerial Statement – Minister Abbott Highlights Affordable Housing Initiatives

April 27, 2023

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Speaker, access to stable and affordable housing is key to improving health and social outcomes. That is why our government has prioritized the creation of new housing options, with more than 750 new housing options constructed or under construction over the past two years.

Budget 2023 includes almost $140 million to further increase affordable housing options through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, including:

• $70 million over three years for a new Affordable Housing Program, to construct over 850 new affordable rental homes through private and non-profit sector partnerships for seniors, young adults, Indigenous peoples, individuals experiencing homelessness, persons with disabilities, and recent immigrants;
• $25 million for emergency shelters, transition homes and supportive living for those experiencing homelessness or intimate partner violence;
• $17 million to maintain, repair and modernize provincial social housing, including vacant units, for individuals and families in need;
• $10 million in grants to help lower-income homeowners complete repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficiency retrofits to their homes. These programs primarily serve seniors, supporting them to age in place; and
• $30 million for an integrated health, housing and supportive services hub to support those experiencing homelessness in the Happy Valley – Goose Bay area.

Speaker, everyone deserves a home and a safe place to live. We will continue to work with federal, municipal and Indigenous Governments and community partners to address the diverse housing and homelessness needs in this province.

Thank you.

NT5