Liberals must recognize right to housing

OTTAWA — Earlier this week, New Democrat Housing critic Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet (Hochelaga) called on the government to support two bills aimed at including the right to housing in the Canadian Bill of Rights and implementing a national strategy for secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing.

"Unfortunately the Liberal government – like the previous government – doesn't seem to take housing seriously and doesn't realize the extent of the situation," said Boutin-Sweet. "The Liberals' response to my question in the House reflects their lack of commitment to homelessness and access to housing."

Boutin-Sweet had the opportunity to meet with Canadians and assess the urgency of the situation in Canada after launching a national housing campaign in 2012. Last month, she published a report of her tour with recommendations for the Government.

Due to the poor distribution of funds allocated to the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), which calls for a Housing First approach, only 35% of the annual allocation goes towards other types of intervention – including prevention. Due to bed closures in various shelters, more and more people are ending up on the streets. The NDP is calling on the government to return to the HPS's approach to improve the fight against homelessness – while promoting access to housing for all.

"To this day, Canada remains the only G7 country without a national housing strategy. For this reason, I call on the federal government to take immediate action on this issue and support my two bills," she concluded.