Church Leaders Call on Federal Government for Housing Strategy

Last Thursday, November 14, Anglican Archbishop Fred Hiltz and Evangelical Lutheran National Bishop Susan Johnson wrote a letter to Human Resources and Skills Development Minister Diane Finley reminding her of the federal government’s commitment to affordable housing and homelessness programs in Canada.

Three national programs – the Affordable Housing Initiative, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program – are set to expire in February 2009. In September, the Conservative government announced its intention to renew funding for these programs, but this will not be confirmed until the federal budget is approved in three months’ time.

Their letter urges the federal government to follow through with their promise, and to make an additional commitment to an “in-depth, long-term affordable housing initiative.” With one in four Canadians living in substandard or unaffordable housing, as well as a current economic crisis, the need for affordable housing is more critical than ever.

We at CPJ applaud and support the work of the Anglican and Lutheran Churches in calling for a strategic, long-term plan for affordable housing with adequate funding, and hope to see a positive response from the federal government. With National Housing Day just around the corner on November 22nd, we must continue to pressure our political leaders to ensure that everyone in Canada has a safe, adequate and affordable home in which to live.

The full text of the letter can be viewed on the Anglican Church of Canada website.