News Releases

News Release - Canada and Manitoba

October 2, 2020

Governments Invest $2 Million to Support Home Ownership in Manitoba



The Canada and Manitoba governments will partner with a number of local organizations to create home ownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income Manitobans, federal Minister of Children, Families and Social Development Ahmed Hussen and Manitoba Families Minister Heather Stefanson announced today. This $2-million initiative will provide first-time homebuyers with down-payment assistance and build or renovate homes for eligible buyers.
 
 “Because of our government’s investments through the National Housing Strategy, more Canadians are getting access to affordable homes,” said Hussen. “With this initiative, thanks to mortgage payments that are more affordable, many Manitoban families will have hundreds of dollars more each month in their pockets – money to spend on things like healthy food, sports activities for their kids, or even save for the future.” 
 
“The benefits of a safe and stable home are significant and long-lasting for Manitoba families,” said Stefanson. “Our government is creating new opportunities for more Manitobans to become homeowners, and we are pleased to partner with the federal government and community agencies on this important initiative.”
 
A total of $1.23 million will be used to provide down payment assistance to 77 eligible first-time homebuyers through these organizations:
Community Health and Housing Association, Winnipeg – three units;
City of Brandon, Brandon – 20 units;
Housing Opportunity Partnership, Winnipeg – six units;
New Journey Housing, Winnipeg – 10 units;
Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, Winnipeg – 10 units;
The Pas Community Development Corporation, The Pas – eight units; 
Spence Neighbourhood Association, Winnipeg – 10 units; and
Manitoba Tipi Mitawa, Winnipeg –10 units.
 
Manitoba Tipi Mitawa is a partnership between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Manitoba Real Estate Association that helps First Nations families purchase their first homes. Since 2009, Manitoba Tipi Mitawa has helped 27 families with financial education and down-payment assistance to achieve their goals of owning their first homes. 
 
“I want to acknowledge and thank our federal and provincial partners for their support on this initiative,” said Grand Chief Arlen Dumas, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. “Manitoba Tipi Mitawa has been a very successful program that sees a growing number of applicants every year. This shows us the great desire for home ownership and the stability that comes with owning a home. We are pleased to announce that with this funding, we will now be able to help another 10 families move into their dream home and create roots in neighbourhoods across the city of Winnipeg.”
 
“Today’s announcement will allow 10 First Nations families to realize the dream of home ownership,” said Harry DeLeeuw, co-chair, Manitoba Tipi Mitawa. “When we help families realize their home ownership dreams, we contribute to building stability and vibrancy in our neighbourhoods and communities for current and future generations.” 
 
The remaining $723,000 will help build 16 new homes for first-time homebuyers in partnership with these organizations:
Community Health and Housing Association, Winnipeg – three units;
Housing Opportunity Partnership, Winnipeg – six units; and
J&G Homes Ltd., Brandon, – seven units.
 
These organizations were selected following a competitive request for proposals, which closed in March 2020. 
 
This initiative is funded through the National Housing Strategy (NHS), which will invest more than $450 million in Manitoba over 10 years. The Canada and Manitoba governments signed a bilateral agreement to implement the NHS in June 2019 to protect, renew and expand social and community housing, and to support Manitoba’s priorities related to housing repair, construction and affordability. For more information on the NHS, visit www.placetocallhome.ca
 
Since 2016, the Manitoba government has helped more than 180 households achieve home ownership. Manitoba Housing provides a wide range of subsidized housing throughout the province, supporting thousands of families. For more information on how the province collaborates with community organizations, private and non-profit partners and other levels of government to create safe and affordable housing in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing
 
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