OTTAWA, December 21, 2004 -- The Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, today announced the schedule of consultations to assist in developing a Canadian Housing Framework. These consultations are part of a long-term partnership-based housing framework."The purpose of these consultations is to gain a better understanding of housing and homelessness issues, and at the same time offer Canadians an opportunity to provide input towards the development of a new Canadian Housing Framework," stated Minister Fontana. "The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening and enhancing existing programs with new initiatives in partnership with other levels of government, community groups and the private sector."Consultations will include community forums where local and regional stakeholders will be invited to present their views. There will also be expert roundtables on topics central to housing and homelessness. In addition, the general public will be invited to submit their ideas to www.homelessness.gc.ca.The schedule of consultations is as follows:January 7 - Calgary, Alberta (Community consultations)January 12-13 - Toronto, Ontario (Community consultations)January 17-18 - Vancouver, British Columbia (Community consultations & Expert roundtable)January 19 - Winnipeg, Manitoba (Community consultations)January 20-21 - Regina, Saskatchewan (Community consultations)January 22 - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (Community consultations)January 24 - St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador (Community consultations)January 24 - Toronto, Ontario (Expert roundtable)January 25 - Saint John, New Brunswick (Community consultations)January 26-27 - Halifax, Nova Scotia (Expert roundtable & Community consultations)January 28 - London, Ontario (Community consultations)February 1 - Montreal, Quebec (Expert roundtable)February 3 - Ottawa, Ontario (Expert roundtable)For more information on the Government of Canada's National Homelessness Initiative, visit our Web site at www.homelessness.gc.ca - 30 - For more information contact:Peter GrahamDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Labour and Housing(819) 953-5646
