There is only one way to describe it. Across Canada, there is a housing crisis.
In urban, rural and northern centres, a growing number of Canadians are finding it difficult – if not impossible – to find decent affordable housing.
In our region, there can be no doubt there is a housing crisis in First Nations communities. Waiting lists for housing are growing worse and an increasing number of houses are in poor condition.
We need to take immediate action to combat the housing crisis and bring relief to Canadians across the country.
Our NDP caucus has released the first part of a plan to build half a million affordable housing units over the next decade.
It is a matter of priorities. Instead of giving billions in corporate tax giveaways and spending billions more on a pipeline, we can bring relief to Canadians and build half a million new affordable housing units.
It starts with addressing the housing crisis in Indigenous communities. There needs to be a major new investment in housing.
We can also help first-time homebuyers with closing costs by doubling the Home Buyer’s tax credit.
The crisis didn’t just happen. Various governments have neglected the housing crisis or made things worse by cutting housing programs.
Let’s use the upcoming budget to spur the creation of affordable housing, provide immediate relief to renters and keep the dream of someday owning a home alive.
Everyone in Canada should have a safe and affordable place to call home.
