An opportunity to address poverty: housing

Housing is a major concern for many social policy and charity groups across the country, especially those focused on poverty. Canada has been without a national housing strategy since the mid 1990s, making it the only country in the G8 to be without such a strategy. Housing has become the responsibility of provincial and municipal governments who can’t keep up with the demands and needs.

Recently the Salvation Army released a report, Poverty shouldn’t be a life sentence: A report on the perceptions of homelessness and poverty in Canada.

In this assessment of the state of homelessness in Canada, the report looks at the many factors of poverty that lead to homelessness, some of which include unemployment, disability and/or mental illness, domestic abuse, addictions, poor education and little or no access to affordable housing. The report also looks at evidence of these problems escalating during the recession, as new research from CPJ has also shown.

The report comes at a very good time considering that Bill C-304, MP Libby Davies’ Private Member’s Bill on developing a national housing strategy, is about to go to Third Reading in the House of Commons. This means it has been passed by the House twice, as well as by Committee. If passed this time, it will become law.

Bill C-304 does not include the specifics of a housing strategy, but calls for the federal government to begin formal negotiations with the provinces about a plan to ensure affordable housing across the country.

Although there is no formal connection between the Salvation Army report and the debates around Bill C-304, it does provide helpful information, and emphasizes the urgent need for the government to address housing.

It is important to remember that little or no access to affordable housing is just one of the many factors that lead to homelessness. Other initiatives like assistance programs for the mentally ill, people in abusive living situations, and proper care for people living with addictions need to be introduced to fully address the issue. But it is start.

The debate around Bill C-304 has been delayed a few times, partly because Ms. Davies is hoping to round up more support from Government and Opposition MPs. The New Democrats and the Liberals have been very supportive, but the other parties could potentially shut down this bill.

But we can help spread the word about the need for a housing strategy. Pass this report around, and be sure to contact your MP, informing them of the situation, and the need for action and support!