2 Alberta mayors sign letter pushing federal parties for action on housing in Canada
The mayors of Edmonton and Calgary signed onto an open letter pushing the federal political parties to take action on housing and homelessness in Canada.
A total of 17 mayors, representing over 13.6 million Canadians, signed a letter on Friday urging action be taken to end Canada’s housing and homelessness crises. The letter was addressed to all five major Canadian political parties and candidates seeking seats in the federal election.
“The pandemic has driven home the depth of Canada’s housing crisis,” the letter read. “Together, we’re calling for urgent federal action on Canada’s housing and homelessness crises and we all stand ready to work with the next federal government to move quickly and act decisively.
“Safe housing continues to become more scarce and less affordable as 1.7 million households live in a home that is either unaffordable, overcrowded, and/or needs major repairs while nearly 5 million Canadians worry about paying their housing costs every month.”
Don Iveson, mayor of Edmonton, tweeted on Friday morning sharing how important action on ending acute housing needs and ending homelessness are.
“Housing is an issue we should be hearing more about and considering (this election),” Calgary’s mayor Naheed Nenshi tweeted Friday.What say you, #elxn44 party leaders?
The letter was organized by Vote Housing, a national non-partisan group of experts and concerned Canadians looking to make housing more affordable and end homelessness.
The group is calling on the next federal government to implement a housing strategy for urban, rural, and Indigenous residents; investments in supportive housing units; the creation of affordable, co-op, and non-profit housing; and expansion of rental assistance programs for low-income households.
A study completed by the non-partisan policy think tank Fraser Institute and released earlier this week showed that building codes in Canada can contribute to homelessness by reducing the supply of low-income housing.
“When addressing homelessness, well-intentioned policymakers often overlook the significant issue of building codes and how they can actually make the lives of low-income people much worse,” said John Palmer, Professor Emeritus from the University of Western Ontario and co-author of the study.
The study noted how governments shut down housing units not complying with certain building standards without offering supports to rectify them, thereby reducing the supply of housing for low-income people who are often forced into worse alternatives, like abusive households, temporary shelters, or living on the street.
Additionally, the study concluded that over-reaching regulations can sometimes perversely create black market conditions for low-cost housing.
“When government enacts and enforces stricter housing codes, it removes a low-cost option for low-income people, often forcing them into living in worse situations,” said Steve Lafleur, senior policy analyst at the Fraser Institute and study co-author.
According to the authors, 235,000 Canadians have been homeless at one time or another within this past year alone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.