WHITEHORSE, YT, June 26, 2024 /CNW/ – Today, the governments of Canada and Yukon announced an enhancement to the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) to provide housing support to survivors of gender-based violence.
The federal government is investing $5.24 million in creating housing options, and the Government of Yukon will pay an equivalent contribution. The total combined funding will thus amount to $10.49 million over four years.
The announcement was made today by Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukonon behalf of the Honorable Sean Fraser, Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, as well as the Honorable Ranj Pillai, Prime Minister of Yukon and minister responsible for the Société d’habitation du Yukon and by the honorable Jeanie McLeanDeputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for the Directorate for the Status of Women and Gender Equity.
The improvement to the ACL will help survivors of gender-based violence – including women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ people – find a safe and affordable place to call home. It is expected to support more than 328 households during the critical period of vulnerability and need experienced by people fleeing violence.
The Yukon is the tenth territory or province in Canada to jointly design a program within the ACL for survivors of gender-based violence. Eligible claimants will be entitled to a maximum of $2,000 per month for the first 12 months, then a decreasing benefit for an additional six months. These supports will give recipients time to stabilize and get back on their feet before they are left to shoulder rental costs on their own.
The ACL for survivors of gender-based violence will follow the same terms and conditions as the existing ACL. This new funding from the ACL particularly targets survivors of gender-based violence. However, provinces and territories will have the opportunity to use their matching contribution for measures to end gender-based violence or to support other priorities and programs. The goal is to help this priority vulnerable population by providing direct affordability assistance.
To access the program at Yukonsurvivors of gender-based violence must complete an application form available on the Yukon.ca website or at any office of the Société d’habitation du Québec. Yukon. By mid-summer, it will also be possible to obtain the form from participating non-profit organizations.
Citations :
“The federal government has invested more than $4 billion in the Canada Housing Benefit to provide direct assistance to households in need. With this additional funding, we are forming a partnership with the Government of Yukon. Together, we will help survivors of gender-based violence, including women, children and 2SLGBTQI+ people, find a safe and affordable place to call home. » – Brendan Hanley, Federal Member of Parliament for Yukonon behalf of the Honorable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Our government is committed to supporting people facing gender-based violence across the country. Yukon. It is unacceptable that people living in our territory must remain in a situation of violence, but we know how difficult it is to make the decision to leave. We want to ensure that there are effective support programs to help people in this process. Our government is proud to support this initiative and thanks the Government of Canada for his partnership. We will continue to tirelessly improve the lives of people across the Yukon in order to guarantee their safety and well-being throughout the territory. » Ranj Pillai, Prime Minister of Yukon and minister responsible for the Société d’habitation du Yukon
“This is an extremely important program and a step in the fight against gender-based violence in our territory. We know that housing insecurity is a factor that contributes to perpetuating this form of violence. For fear of becoming homeless, people may choose to stay in a home where they experience violence and abuse. Access to safe and affordable housing is one of the priority measures defined in the Strategy of Yukon on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit+ people. The gender-based violence component of the Canada Housing Benefit Yukon will help survivors regain their autonomy and financial independence. » – The Honourable Jeanie McLean, Minister responsible for the Status of Women and Gender Equity Directorate
Quick facts:
- As part of the National Housing Strategy (NHS)the federal government announced in November 2017 that it would invest $2 billion in a new ACL. Provinces and territories (PTs) match these funds, for a total investment of $4 billion over eight years, starting in 2020-21.
- The ACL aims to reduce the housing needs of some of the most vulnerable people in the world. Canada. It provides financing directly to households in need to help them pay their housing costs.
- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) worked with PTs to create 13 ACL initiatives, one for each jurisdiction. These initiatives were developed jointly, based on a series of federal themes. They are tailored to prioritize populations with housing needs in each PT. PTs administer the ACL in regions under their jurisdiction.
- The ACL for survivors of gender-based violence is an enhancement to the existing ACL.
- Budget 2021 included an additional $315.4 million over seven years for the ACL to provide financial assistance to low-income women and their children fleeing violence. However, the context for violence prevention has since changed with the adoption and subsequent support of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence in November 2022.
- This Action Plan defines gender-based violence as “violence based on gender norms and unequal power dynamics exercised against a person because of their gender, their expression of gender, their gender identity or their perceived gender. Gender-based violence can take many forms, including physical, economic and sexual violence, as well as emotional (psychological) abuse.” It can also involve domestic violence and human trafficking.
- The NHS is based on a strong partnership between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. It is also based on ongoing engagement with other stakeholders, such as municipalities, indigenous governments and organizations, as well as the social and private housing sectors. NHS activities include consultations with people from all walks of life, including people who have experienced housing needs themselves.
Additional Information :
- Visit canada.ca/housing for government housing information. Canada which are the most in demand.
- As the housing authority in Canada, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and the financial system, helps Canadians in need and provides impartial research and advice to all levels of government, consumers and the housing sector. habitation of the country. CMHC aims to ensure that everyone Canada can afford housing that meets their needs. To find out more, visit www.chezsoidabord.ca.
- See the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence for more details.
- To apply for a rental subsidy through the Government of Yukon
- Yukon Strategic Housing Plan
SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Contacts: Micaal Ahmed, Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]
