Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a news event in Ottawa on October, 27, 2020. (CPAC)
The federal government is providing more information on its new Rapid Housing Initiative.
The billion-dollar program aims to support the creation of 3000 new permanent housing units.
COVID-19 has increased the need for more housing.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the program is divided into two areas, the major city stream and the projects stream.
“Our largest cities face a growing need for safe and affordable housing. We are investing $500 million dollars of immediate support for municipalities that have the highest demand,” Trudeau said.
Families, Children and Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen said funding for the major cities stream will go out in days to fifteen Canadian cities including Halifax, Winnipeg, Ottawa, London, Montreal and Toronto.
The second stream of the rapid housing initiative also includes $500 million dollars in funding. It will support specific projects brought forward by Indigenous governing bodies, non-profit organizations, other municipalities, provinces and territories,” Hussen said.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation will be accepting project applications until December 31st.
Hussen added the applications will be assessed within 30 days so the work can start “right away”.
“These are partners that we have already worked with in the past and we have no doubt that they will be able to mobilize quickly and harness this significant federal money to turn it into housing, to build modular housing, to convert existing properties into housing and purchase land for rapid housing construction,” Hussen said.
Minister Hussen noted the pandemic has only underscored and worsened an existing housing problem in Canada.
One Canadian experiencing homelessness is one too many. Today's launch of the Rapid Housing Initiative will build thousands of homes across the country and help Canada move closer to our goal of finally eliminating chronic homelessness. pic.twitter.com/ZqHo4h12Mw
— Ahmed Hussen (@HonAhmedHussen) October 27, 2020
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