Many Canadians are not happy with government decisions these days and a lot of Canadians are far from pleased by what politicians have to say on voters' behalf, but when it comes to housing, Canadians may feel that governments and politicians are finally getting their act together about affordable housing.

At the February 2003 Canadian Home Builders Association Annual Conference, the Honourable David Collenette, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the federal housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), reminded builders that the 2003 Federal Budget was "a good news budget" for the housing sector and CMHC for several reasons:

"The Budget confirmed the Government of Canada's commitment to sustaining vital, healthy communities through investments in affordable housing for Canadians in need. Too many Canadians living in our major cities are struggling to find and afford decent housing. To address this pressing need, the Government of Canada is increasing its investments in housing by C$704 million for the creation of more affordable housing and renovation assistance.

"C$320 million in additional funds for affordable housing will build on the Government's C$680 million Affordable Housing Initiative, announced in the last budget. This will bring the total federal investment in the Affordable Housing Initiative to C$1 billion by the end of 2007-08."

In March, the Minister announced the 2003 grant recipients of two annual federal funding projects that encourage housing research: the External Research Program (ERP) and Affordability and Choice Today (ACT) Program.

"The number of applications received for the ERP was the highest in a decade," said Minister Collenette in awarding the 21 grants of up to C$25,000. "Canadian researchers continue to put forward and carry out relevant, high quality housing research projects which contribute to solving important problems and issues affecting Canadian housing."

The 21 ERP grants, which this year total C$493,628, encourage private and non-profit sector researchers, as well as those employed in academic institutions, to put forward their ideas for investigating housing issues. CMHC will publish the results when the studies are complete.

Successful applicants will carry out research projects in several priority areas, including: increasing affordablity, addressing distinct housing needs, advancing sustainable development and helping Canadians protect their investment in housing.

The 2003 ERP projects include:

Published: April 8, 2003

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