Dear Friends

I am happy to announce that the NDP’s bill for a National Housing Strategy will have its first hour of debate this week.  I know many of you recognize the need for adequate, accessible
secure and affordable housing, and we came close to making this a reality in the last Parliament.  I will be speaking at a roundable on housing tonight in Ottawa, to voice my support for this bill.  Check out more information on the bill below.

Sincerely,

Libby

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2012

OTTAWA – On the eve of the first hour of debate on Bill C-400 on housing, New Democrat Housing critic Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet (Hochelaga) as well as Marie-Claude Morin (Saint-Hyacinthe – Bagot), who initiated the bill, join many groups and associations in calling for urgent assistance from the federal government to finance social housing.

“Canada is the only G8 country without a national housing strategy. In 2009, Stephen Harper pledged before the UN Human Rights Council to work more efficiently with the provinces and territories to ensure that all Canadians have access to affordable housing. It’s time to fulfill this promise and that’s exactly what C-400 will accomplish,” said Morin.

Bill C-400 seeks to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for all Canadians. Boutin-Sweet begins a tour on housing this fall to consult the public upon this issue and elaborate the NDP’s national housing strategy.

“The federal government’s disengagement with respect to its social housing responsibilities is blatant and growing. The provinces are running out of resources. The lack of social housing and its deterioration due to the lack of funding are at a critical level. Over 1.5 million families don’t have access to social housing. It’s more than time to help them,” said Boutin-Sweet.