Affordable Rental Housing

October 01, 2010

I have been an advocate for affordable housing since first being elected to the House of Commons in 1997. I have written two books about the plight of the homeless and the lack of affordable rental housing and was the Official Opposition Party Critic for the Homeless and Affordable Housing. I have visited some 120 shelters and housing projects in Canada and the United States, seeing first-hand what does and does not work effectively.
With that experience, I was unanimously chosen by the Edmonton Area Parliamentary Caucus to be the federal government representative on the City of Edmonton Committee to End Homelessness, which issued its report in January 2009.
Over the years I have differed with some as to what approach would best achieve results, to serve the need for housing and help the greatest number of people. There is no one solution that fits all circumstances, but there is agreement on the great need. To be effective in dealing with the issue we need governments at all levels to equally incent both the private sector and the social sector to get involved. Safe, secure affordable housing, a home to return to at night, a place from which to grow confidence and nurture aspirations is one of the most elementary aspects of human existence.
It is encouraging that private sector developers such as Edmonton’s ProCura, are once again, after a long absence, being considered by governments looking for solutions to the affordable rental housing crisis. For too long this area of expertise has been actively discouraged.
In all regions across Canada, especially here in Edmonton, the challenges of homelessness are complex. They are best addressed through strong support and cooperation between all levels of government, as well as the private and non-profit sectors.
What do you think?