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Hello, everyone.
It is absolutely wonderful to be here today with Minister Hussen and Minister Tassi to talk about what we’re doing on affordable housing for Canadians.
Filomena, thank you for your words. Thank you for your leadership here in the community and across the country as our Minister of Labour. It is always wonderful to be back in Hamilton with you.
And Ahmed, thank you for all your leadership as Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
We’ve made a lot of announcements lately. Whether it’s been child care or housing investments, this is all part of how we’re making sure that Canadians are properly supported.
Also, I’m really happy to see Jeff from Indwell here as well.
Building a more resilient Canada starts by making sure everyone has a roof over their head.
Because for too many people in this country, finding an affordable place to call home is still a challenge.
We need to keep working to change that.
And when we say “we”, I mean all orders of government, and all sectors.
We all need to pull together to find solutions on supply across the housing spectrum.
Look, I don’t need to tell people from the GTHA why this matters.
Because I don’t have to tell anyone here that buying a home is beyond the reach of too many families.
That’s why, whether it’s helping first time homebuyers or building more affordable rental units, our government has made unprecedented investments in housing since 2015.
And after the spike in housing prices across the country during the last year, we know there is more work to be done.
Today, we’re announcing funding to help build over 320 homes across southern Ontario, including 95 units here in Hamilton.
All of these projects will be built with passive housing design, which means they’ll be extremely energy efficient and even more affordable for tenants.
My friends, that’s exactly the kind of innovative thinking we need more of.
When it comes to creating more affordable housing, we continue to seek out solutions.
In the last few months, Minister Freeland and Minister Hussen brought together our provincial, municipal and Indigenous partners, as well as other leaders, to act and to create more housing options.
I can tell you that the work is continuing, and this issue tops our list of priorities.
As you know, last December, we announced $10.8 million to support the creation of 45 new affordable homes here in Hamilton through the Rapid Housing Initiative.
We will have good news to share very shortly for the second phase of the Initiative and we will continue to work extremely hard to make sure that no one gets left behind.
When it comes to housing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
That’s why we’re always working on a range of different ways to tackle this issue, with a range of different partners.
I have to say that Indwell has been an extraordinary, innovative partner in creating solutions that will last not just for a few years, but for decades as people get the stability and the strength they need to contribute fully to their communities and build a better life. That vision is one that we are always happy to partner with and I really want to thank Indwell.
And while we’re here, I also want to thank the incredible workers who actually make this a reality. I know that the Christian Labour Association of Canada and labour have been a really important part of this.
But the hard work done to build a stronger Canada and better opportunities for everyone, that all of you do every day, is what allows us to be here together and make these great announcements.
Because making housing more accessible and more affordable is about real, positive outcomes for more people.
For the middle class families who are being priced out of their hometown, for women and children who need a safe place to go, for people experiencing chronic homelessness, for workers who want to apply for a job in a big city but worry about being able to afford rent – this is who these initiatives and these investments are about.
Of course, helping people build a better life for themselves doesn’t just mean making sure everyone has a home – it also means making sure our communities are more connected.
And for that, we need efficient and modern public transit systems.
Recently, we announced that the federal government will contribute up to $1.7 billion to the Hamilton Light Rail Transit project.
The new line will go from McMaster in the west, through downtown, all the way to Eastgate at Centennial Park, in Stoney Creek.
This is good news for students, workers, and families who have more important things to do with their time than being stuck in traffic.
And that’s not all this will mean for the community.
After all, projects like this also cut pollution and create good construction jobs.
With a public transit system that meets people’s needs, and with more affordable housing, our communities will be stronger.
It’s true here in Hamilton, and it’s true right across the country.
As we rebuild after this pandemic, we will make sure that no one is left behind.
The announcement we’re making today is part of the multilayered approach we have to building a better Canada for everyone. The passive housing investments mean we’ll be responsible towards the environment and fighting climate change, while at the same time, lowering costs for people.
Similarly, as we invest in public transit, we’re getting people to and from work and home more efficiently and quickly, while at the same time, fighting climate change.
While we do this, we rely on extraordinary good jobs in the construction industry that continue to contribute to building a better Canada and creating more opportunities for everyone.
Before I end, I’d also like to say a few words about the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
Today marks five years since we brought in this program.
For millions of hardworking families who now have hundreds of dollars more every month for essentials like groceries or school supplies, the CCB has been a real game changer.
And the results speak for themselves.
In the last five years, we’ve helped lift nearly 435,000 kids out of poverty.
Today, the maximum annual benefit is going up once again to keep pace with the rising cost of living.
This is yet another example of programs that make a real difference in people’s lives.
Speaking of young people, I had the chance to meet with some outstanding Brampton youth to talk about their concerns and their ideas for a better future.
I know how hard this pandemic crisis has been for young people.
Everything changed so suddenly: seeing friends, going to school, finding a job, practising sports. So many things were suspended.
Young people made so many sacrifices. So I want you to know that our government continues to be here for you, to work with you, to build a better future, to draw on your ideas, your dynamism, and your optimism for a better future.
Today’s announcement to create more affordable housing is certainly part of that.