This is a joint news release between the Government of Yukon and the Government of Canada.
In recognition of high interest rates, heating costs and the overall cost of living, eligible Yukon homeowners with low or moderate incomes will soon be able to apply for a one-time payment to help them with their housing costs.
Member of Parliament for Yukon Brendan Hanley, on behalf of Canada's Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser, alongside Premier and Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai, announced that to help homeowners offset their housing costs, the federal government is investing an additional $1.1 million in the Canada Housing Benefit. This investment is being cost-matched by an existing Government of Yukon program, the Home Owners Grant.
To be considered for the benefit, homeowners must be spending 50 per cent or more of their gross household income on housing costs. This includes mortgage payment, property tax, home insurance, home repairs, heating fuel and electricity and applicants must meet all other eligibility requirements.
This program will close when fully subscribed or on March 26, 2024, at 4 pm (whichever occurs first).
In recognition of ongoing cost-of-living challenges affecting all Yukoners, the Government of Yukon is grateful to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for this contribution that will support Yukon homeowners in need. I encourage eligible Yukoners to apply for this benefit before the deadline to help support housing costs. We will continue working with our partners at all levels to address the ongoing housing challenges and make life more affordable for Yukoners.
Premier and Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation Ranj Pillai
The Canada Housing Benefit is helping Canadians in need afford their housing costs. With this additional funding our goal is to ease the pressure on residents in the Yukon who are struggling to cover their living expenses. This is just one of the many ways that the National Housing Strategy is helping to ensure every Canadian has a safe and secure home.
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser
This additional funding through the Canada Housing Benefit program will help some of the Yukon’s most vulnerable residents by providing funding directly to households to help offset the escalating cost of living. Ensuring that all Canadians can remain in their homes and in their communities is an important part of the National Housing Strategy.
Member of Parliament for Yukon Brendan Hanley
Yukoners who are approved for this benefit will receive the Canada-Yukon Housing Homeowner Benefit by June 1, 2024.
The value of the one-time payment awarded to each eligible Yukoner will depend on the number of applications the government receives before the deadline. Recipients in Whitehorse can expect to receive $1,000. Those outside Whitehorse can expect to receive $1,500.
Yukoners interested in receiving this benefit are encouraged to visit the homeowner subsidy website for a full list of eligibility requirements.
The Government of Canada announced this new funding on February 6, 2024.
The Canada-Yukon Housing Rental Benefit was first announced by the Government of Yukon in partnership with the Government of Canada on November 4, 2020. At that time, the program supported low-to-moderate income Yukoners in rental housing who couldn’t afford rent for a home that met their needs.
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
Laura.Seeley@yukon.ca
Jason Seaton
Communications, Yukon Housing Corporation
867-333-9571
Jason.Seaton@yukon.ca