Latest News

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Demonstrators call for action on housing

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 10/19/2010 11:18 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Enlarge Image

Winnipeg housing advocates were out this morning on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature.

WINNIPEG --Canada needs a plan to deal with what has become a national housing crisis, housing advocates say.

About 150 demonstrators gathered at the northwest corner of the Legislative Building grounds this morning to call attention to the problem and support a Vancouver NDP member of Parliament’s private member’s bill that would require Ottawa to establish a national housing strategy. Bill C-304, put forward by MP Libby Davies, will be debated in the House of Commons tomorrow.

The protest in Winnipeg was one of a series of events organized across Canada.

Clark Brownlee, right to housing co-ordinator for a host of Winnipeg organizations, said Canada is the only G-8 country without a national housing plan.

Through the 1970s and 1980s, Canada had a housing strategy that was envied around the world, he said, as Ottawa created 20,000 social housing units each year until cutbacks began in 1984. By 1993, all federal spending on the construction of new social housing was terminated.

Brownlee said it’s estimated that 350 Winnipeggers live on the street, while 1,900 live in shelters and short-term arrangements and another 7,600 so-called "hidden homeless" couch surf with family and friends.

In Canada, the number of homeless is estimated to be between 150,000 and 300,000, Brownlee said.

(You must be logged in to post your reaction)

Your reaction?

More Latest News

Undock

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010; View the changes. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.