In Canada, the Minister of Labour and Housing Joe Fontana announced funding for rent supplement programmes, under the Affordable Housing Initiative. This aspect of the Canadian Government's drive to meet the housing needs of Canadians helps low-income families bridge the gap between affordable rent, and market rent. A rent supplement does just that, as it pays the difference.
The Minister said "I have been working with provinces and territories in recent months to implement new flexibility that improves the delivery of affordable housing".
The supplements provide assistance to low-income households, or those currently on social housing waiting lists, by making existing empty homes, which are available on the market, affordable. This includes empty homes available through existing social housing, non-profit housing, or co-operative housing projects. Premises must be modest and meet basic health and safety standards, to qualify as eligible for the programme.
Provinces and territories will be able to allocate a portion of the federal contribution under the Affordable Housing Agreements, to rent supplements, and must match the federal contribution. The remainder of funding, under the Agreements, is for the creation of new affordable housing, including community-based and special needs housing.
The Government of Canada is investing $1.8 billion, by 2008, into affordable housing, housing services for the homeless, and the renovation of the existing housing stock.
Ref.: Canadian Government press release, 23 March 2005