(OTTAWA) – The Green Party responded to Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson’s call on Thursday for federal parties to commit to strategy on affordable housing.
“Federal funding should be used to help build affordable homes and hire carpenters, contractors, and electricians to increase energy efficiency and cut heating and electricity bills for Canadians,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (Saanich—Gulf Islands). “The Green Party’s plan would improve housing for First Nations and establish a Guaranteed Livable Income, so no Canadian has to live in poverty.”
“We need action now on affordable housing and homelessness. Our country deserves a federal government that will be a partner with Canadian mayors to end homelessness and address our national affordability crisis,” continued Wes Regan, Green Party candidate (Vancouver East) and Urban Affairs and Housing critic. “The Green Party’s National Housing Strategy will restore favorable tax treatment for purpose-built affordable rentals to improve access to affordable market housing.”
"With a Housing First Approach, we envision a national strategy that will house chronically homeless people and provide resources for immediate support,” continued Regan. “The Green Party’s plan will provide every Canadian with a place to call home and address challenges across the housing spectrum.”
Claire Martin, candidate for North Vancouver continued: “Our plan for a Guaranteed Livable Income will help the steadily increasing numbers of people trapped in the low-wage economy and especially Canadian youth, who struggle to survive with part-time employment.”
“When Green Party MPs are elected this fall, we will work across party lines to make sure Canadians are not living in poverty and have affordable housing,” concluded Martin.
-30-
For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
[email protected]
Or
Kirsten Strom
Executive Assistant to Director of Communications
t: 613.562.4916 (200)
Toll Free 1.866.868.3447
[email protected]