On Friday, November 16th, I had the pleasure of participating in the presentation of the first payment for the new North Bridge Suites on behalf of my colleague, the Hon. Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development — and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The 24 unit, low cost housing facility currently under construction on 53 Ave in Ponoka is scheduled to open in April 2008. At a total cost $1.6 million, the federal Government’s contribution will be close to $1.4 million.

In Budget 2006, the Government of Canada made an investment of $1.4 billion in housing trusts for affordable housing, northern housing and housing for Aboriginal people living off-reserve. Almost $130 million of this amount was allocated to Alberta for projects like North Bridge Suites.