News Release

MEMRAMCOOK (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments have signed a 10-year agreement to provide long-term funding for affordable housing.

The cost-sharing agreement under the National Housing Strategy demonstrates a joint commitment to prioritize affordable housing.

“This new agreement with our federal partners will allow your government to make a significant investment in New Brunswick’s housing portfolio – from bricks and mortar to programs – in order to ensure our most vulnerable populations have safe, affordable and adequate housing options for years to come,” said Finance Minister Cathy Rogers.

Rogers spoke on behalf of Families and Children Minister Stephen Horsman.

The 10-year agreement will invest nearly $300 million to protect, renew and expand social and community housing, and will support the provincial government’s priorities related to housing repair, construction and affordability. It also involves the design and implementation of a Canada Housing Benefit for the province to provide support directly to families and individuals in need.

“The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home,” said federal Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard Minister Dominic LeBlanc. “Long-term, predictable funding for housing has been needed for more than a decade. Today, with the New Brunswick government, we have taken a significant step toward our goal of building strong communities where Canadian families can prosper and thrive, now and for the future. Our government will continue working in partnership with New Brunswick and other provinces and territories toward a 15-per cent expansion in new affordable housing units and renewing 20 per cent of existing community housing units across the country.”  

LeBlanc spoke on behalf of federal Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos.

The agreement commits both governments to higher standards of transparency, public engagement and housing quality, including improved energy efficiency and accessibility. It also acknowledges the importance of prioritizing people most in need, incorporating a human rights-based approach to housing, and applying a gender lens to all investments.

Increased funding for affordable housing aligns with the New Brunswick Family Plan framework, which focuses government action in seven priority areas: reducing poverty; improving access to primary and acute care; promoting wellness; supporting people with addictions and mental health challenges; fostering healthy aging and support for seniors; advancing women’s equality; and supporting people with disabilities.