federal-provincial agreement

The federal and provincial governments have reached an agreement to deliver 1,200 affordable housing units across the province.

The agreement was made with the federal government’s Build Canada Homes program, according to a press release from Housing New Brunswick on Friday, March 20.

The cost-matching agreement will allocate $150 million from the federal government, combined with $150 million from the provincial government, to create the units. Priority has been given to “shovel-ready” projects that can begin construction within 12 months, according to the release.

“This agreement marks the single-largest investment in affordable housing in New Brunswick’s history,” said David Hickey, minister responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation.

“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Premier Susan Holt. “This agreement is about getting more homes built, faster, so New Brunswickers can find a place they can afford in the communities they love. With our federal and community partners, we’re taking real action to tackle the housing crunch and make life more affordable for New Brunswickers.”

Gregor Robertson, Federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister, says the partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when the two levels of government work together to manage the housing crisis.

“By combining federal and provincial resources, we’re not only accelerating the delivery of thousands of affordable homes, but we’re also creating a community with schools, childcare and supports that families need to thrive. This is a model for collaboration that will make life more affordable and strengthen communities across New Brunswick,” said Robertson.