VAL-D'OR, September 8, 2006 This announcement was made today by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and Minister responsible for Quebec, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. In attendance at the announcement were Fernand Trahan, Mayor of Val-d'Or; Albano Gidaro, Senior Advisor, Assisted Housing, at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); the residents and community partners. The Domaine des Pionniers project, of which Mariano Breton is the Director General, received close to $10,000 under the Seed Funding program offered by the Canadian Centre for Public Private Partnerships in Housing of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This program offers financial assistance to potential housing providers who are in the very early stages of developing an affordable housing proposal. The Domaine des Pionniers project also benefited from CMHC's mortgage loan insurance flexibilities. A total investment of more than $3,900,000 was required to develop this project. "Canada's new government is pleased to be making this investment," said Minister Cannon. "The construction of these new affordable housing units in the Domaine des Pionniers is about people with a passion and determination to help build a better community, where our seniors can stay active and close to their loved ones." "There is no doubt that CMHC played a key role in the construction of the new 53 unit wing," said Mariano Breton. "It was CMHC that took the initiative and finally got the project going, and we are entirely grateful for that." Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada's national housing agency for over 60 years. CMHC contributes to improving the living conditions and the well-being of Canadians through four areas of housing activities housing finance, assisted housing, research and information transfer, and export promotion. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, and making vibrant and sustainable communities and cities a reality across the country. Media inquiries: Sophie Crête Advisor Communications and Marketing Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 514-496-4025
