News Release

MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial government is partnering with the federal government to implement the Canada – New Brunswick Housing Benefit. This portable benefit aims to help low-income working parents and their children access adequate and affordable rental accommodations that meet their needs.

“Providing for the needs of a family can be challenging for many New Brunswickers,” said Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch. “We are pleased to work with the federal government to deliver a new program that will offer support directly to families who are seeking suitable housing and looking for enhanced employment opportunities.”

The Canada – New Brunswick Housing Benefit is part of the federal government’s National Housing Strategy. It will consist of a short-term benefit available for up to three years, averaging between $300 to $475 per month depending on household income, composition and location. It will help low-income families with children directly with costs associated with shelter and, indirectly, with costs of food, clothing, child care and transportation. The program will support close to 6,600 households in the province over the next seven years. This represents an investment of over $98.3 million equally shared between the provincial and federal governments.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home,” said federal Families, Children and Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, who is also minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “We recognize the long-standing need for predictable funding for housing, and that is why we are taking another significant step today toward our goal of building strong communities where New Brunswickers continue to prosper and thrive, now and for generations to come.”

The Canada – New Brunswick Housing Benefit aims to reduce the subsidized housing waitlist by supporting households working to overcome barriers associated with accessing long-term affordable housing in the rental market.

The Department of Social Development is currently working on finalizing the application process, which will be open to eligible low-income families in the coming months. Initially, eligible families will be identified based on the current subsidized housing waitlist. More information on the application process will be provided in the coming weeks.

The Canada – New Brunswick Housing Benefit is intended for low income New Brunswick workers with children. Residents who do not meet the eligibility criteria for this benefit may qualify for other support provided by the Department of Social Development. For more information, residents may call 1-833-733-7835.