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This press release is also available in French.
BEIJING -- A Canadian wood-frame housing construction system will soon further its reach into China. The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Natural Resources, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing $750,000 over three years to further develop Canada's Super E® housing system for the Chinese market. Minister McCallum made the announcement at a reception for Chinese and Canadian builders and government officials in Beijing.
"Super E housing is one of the most advanced housing systems available to the general public," said Minister McCallum. "It was developed in Canada, incorporates energy-efficient technology and healthy housing features, and can be built quickly using Canadian wood. I am confident the Chinese homeowners who live in these houses will enjoy the safe and warm comfort provided by the materials used in their construction."
Funding for the program, which will come from Natural Resources Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is designed to help make Super E housing the home-construction system of choice among Chinese builders and developers as they look to provide housing for their country's expanding middle class. The funding will also help diversify export markets for Canadian softwood lumber.
The Super E wood-frame construction system is based on Canada's best housing technologies and building practices, and responds to China's need for energy-efficient housing and the Chinese consumer's interest in healthy housing. Each house contains 60 percent Canadian content and comes complete with everything from energy-saving furnaces and windows to kitchen cupboards -- either made in Canada or with Canadian materials. The houses offer substantial energy savings when compared to China's conventional concrete buildings, and can reduce heating costs and improve comfort for homeowners.
Since the introduction of Super E, more than 300 houses worldwide have been built or are now under construction at a value of $20 million to Canadian companies. There are currently 30 Canadian member companies partnered with 50 foreign members.
This funding advances Canada's international leadership role in the natural resources sectors, which are a vital part of Canada's economy and society. It also supports the Government of Canada's commitment to building on the strength of our country and our people.
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FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada is investing $750,000 over three years to further develop Canada's Super E® housing system for the Chinese market. The Super E wood-frame construction system is based on Canada's best housing technologies and building practices. Funding for the program will come from Natural Resources Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-4447
Tom Ormsby
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
(613) 996-2007
NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.