The Honourable David Collenette, Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced 21 Canadian researchers, will be awarded up to $25,000 each under CMHC's, External Research Program (ERP).

"The number of applications received for the ERP was the highest in a decade", said Minister Collenette. "Canadian researchers continue to put forward and carry out relevant, high quality housing research projects which contribute to solving important problems and issues affecting Canadian housing."

The ERP grants, which this year total $493,628, encourage private and non-profit sector researchers, as well as those employed in academic institutions, to put forward their ideas for investigation on housing issues. CMHC will publish the results when the studies are completed.

Successful applicants will carry out research projects in several priority areas, including: making housing more affordable, addressing Aboriginal housing needs, addressing distinct housing needs, advancing Healthy Housing(TM) and sustainable development, helping Canadians protect their investment in housing, improving building performance and energy efficiency, promoting housing export, exploring housing trends, and improving housing finance and market effectiveness.

Recipients of the External Research Program grants were selected by a national committee of housing experts, on the basis of merit and the quality of their proposals. The committee includes experienced researchers and practitioners in government, academic institutions, housing related professions and business.

-For more information contact: Gloria Neufeld Redekop, CMHC Telephone: (613) 748-2572 Fax: (613) 748-2402 e-mail: erp@cmhc-schl.gc.ca or Amy Butcher Office of Minister Collenette Telephone: (613) 991-0790. Results of a wide range of housing research, sponsored by CMHC, may be obtained from: Canadian Housing Information Centre, 700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0P7, Telephone: (613) 748-2367; 1-800-668-2642 or Fax: (613) 748-4069.