I am pleased to announce a significant enhancement to the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB), specifically designed to provide essential housing supports for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence. The federal government is committing $5.24 million to this initiative, matched by the Yukon government, resulting in a total funding of $10.49 million over the next four years. I was delighted to make this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, alongside with the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of Yukon and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation, and the Honourable Jeanie McLean, Deputy Premier of Yukon and Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity Directorate. This enhancement to the CHB will offer crucial support to survivors of gender-based violence, including women, children, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, helping them find secure, safe, and affordable housing. It is expected to assist over 328 households during their critical transition from situations of vulnerability when fleeing violence. The Yukon is proud to be the tenth province/territory to collaborate on a dedicated program under the CHB, tailored specifically for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence. The program will provide up to $2,000 per month for the first 12 months, followed by a decreasing benefit for an additional six months. These supports will provide recipients with the stability needed to regain their footing before assuming full rental costs independently. While this funding is directed towards survivors of gender-based violence, provinces and territories have the flexibility to utilize their cost-matching contributions to support initiatives aimed at ending gender-based violence or addressing other priorities and programs that assist this vulnerable population with direct-to-household affordability assistance. Survivors of gender-based violence in Yukon can apply for this program by completing an application form available at Yukon.ca or at any Yukon Housing Corporation office. Applications will also be accessible at participating not-for-profit organizations starting mid-summer. For more information on how to apply and eligibility requirements, please visit Yukon.ca or contact Yukon Housing Corporation. Quick Facts: - The federal government announced a $2 billion investment in the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) in November 2017 as part of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), with provinces and territories matching this funding for a total investment of $4 billion over eight years, starting in 2020–21. - The CHB aims to alleviate housing needs among Canada's most vulnerable by providing direct financial assistance to households in need to help cover their housing costs. - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) collaborated with the provinces and territories to develop 13 CHB initiatives, each tailored to prioritize populations in housing need within their respective jurisdictions. - The CHB for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is an enhancement to the existing CHB program. - Budget 2021 allocated an additional $315.4 million over seven years for the CHB to provide financial assistance to low-income women and children fleeing violence, in alignment with the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence endorsed in November 2022. - The NHS is built on strong partnerships among federal, provincial, and territorial governments, alongside engagement with municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from diverse backgrounds and those with lived experiences of housing need. - For the most requested Government of Canada housing information, visit Canada.ca/housing. CMHC contributes to housing market stability and the financial system, supports Canadians in housing need, and provides impartial housing research and advice to all levels of government, consumers, and the housing industry. - For more information, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.