Mar 19th, 2019
STATEMENT: OCHC Reacts to the 2019 Federal Budget
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Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 (OTTAWA, ON) – Following the Minister of Finance’s tabling of the 2019 Budget this afternoon, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) has issued the following statement:
Ottawa Community Housing Corporation thanks the Government of Canada and the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, for tabling its 2019 Budget earlier today. It was significant that the Government chose to place the issue of housing affordability and supply as the first item in Chapter I of the Budget.
By introducing new measures such as the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, the Housing Affordability Challenge, and the Expert Panel on Housing Affordability, the Government is taking steps to bolster the important programs it has already laid out in the National Housing Strategy. Furthermore, the Government’s announcement that it will expand the Rental Construction Financing Initiative and modernize the Home Buyers Plan are signals that it wishes to increase the supply and affordability of housing for Canadians.
The Government’s 2019 Budget also announced that it would be introducing legislation in Parliament to enshrine the National Housing Strategy into law and ensure that future governments will report on and review the progress of the plan.
While many of these new measures are significant, OCHC continues to highlight the need for funds under the NHS’ programs to flow to municipalities and housing providers in Ontario as soon as possible. OCHC continues to show itself as an industry-leading and innovative builder of affordable housing, and we will continue to be a partner with the Government of Canada, and all levels of government, as we work collectively to achieve the objectives set out in the NHS.
About Ottawa Community Housing Corporation
Ottawa Community Housing (OCHC) maintains nearly 15,000 homes to approximately 32,000 tenants, including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles and persons with special needs, within many communities across the City of Ottawa. OCHC houses a diverse population of varying languages, ethnicity and cultures. OCHC is the largest social and affordable housing provider in Ottawa, managing two-thirds of the City’s social housing portfolio, and is the second largest in Ontario. OCHC was selected as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers for the second consecutive year in 2019.
Contact (Media Only)
Nathaniel Mullin
Communications and Media Specialist
343-997-5700
media@och.ca