Government must support social housing: Turmel

NDP Leader slams Conservative inaction in time of economic uncertainty

MONTRÉAL — “The federal government must take responsibility and properly invest in the construction and maintenance of social housing for families,” New Democrat Leader Nycole Turmel told a meeting today with community groups from Hochelaga-Maisonneuve in Montreal.

“Since April, the federal government has cut their financial investment entirely in the construction of new social housing,” said Turmel. “The Conservative government has a duty to ensure the well-being of all families in this country. This includes ensuring there is adequate social housing. The Conservatives say it’s time to spend billions of dollars on fighter planes. We say it’s time the government re-evaluated its priorities. By investing in social housing, everyone will benefit.”

Alongside Hochelaga MP Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, Turmel met with residents and stakeholders of this fast developing neighbourhood. The Official Opposition Leader said the current revitalization of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve is a good thing, but no one in the community should be left behind.

“All Canadians should have a secure home, no matter their economic situation,” Turmel said. “This is why funding for social housing must be a priority for the federal government. This is as true for Hochelaga-Maisonneuve as it is for all urban centres in Quebec.”

According to the Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU), approximately 982,000 Canadian households are still lacking basic housing requirements.

“The situation gives cause for concern. When families are forced to spend too much on housing, other basic needs suffer,” said Boutin-Sweet.

“Quebecers have set the wheel of change in motion. They don’t want to go back to the old debates and scandals. By working together, we’ll replace the Conservatives in 2015 and build a better future for Quebec families,” concluded Turmel.