CALGARY, AB, July 6, 2021 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That's why the Governments of Canada and Alberta will provide rent support to low-income Albertans in need through the Canada – Alberta Housing Benefit.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), alongside Josephine Pon, Alberta's Minister of Seniors and Housing, announced details of an approximately $444 million investment through the Canada–Alberta Housing Benefit (CA-AB HB) to fund rent support for nearly 35,500 households in Alberta. This joint funding is based on investments ranging from 2019 to 2028.

Alberta's government will integrate this funding into its Rent Supplement Program, helping households with low income afford their rent over the lifetime of the agreement. The program features flexibility in housing choice, and includes a long-term benefit for those most in need and a new temporary benefit for working Albertans and those between jobs.

The Canada-Alberta Housing Benefit's joint funding will support Alberta's Rent Supplement program through the Rent Assistance Benefit and Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit to help around 35,500 households with low income afford their rent over the lifetime of the agreement. The program features flexibility in housing choice, and includes a long-term benefit for those most in need and a new temporary benefit for working Albertans and those between jobs.

The Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit, which opened on May 1, provides a modest subsidy to help eligible tenants in Alberta's seven major centres afford their rent, while they stabilize or improve their situation. The Rent Assistance Benefit, for those with the lowest income, reopened on April 1 following the program review.