For Immediate Release
26 October, 2023
NDP Leader, Jim Dinn (St. John’s Centre), is publicly publishing the following questions to the Liberal Government after he was notified he will not be able to speak in the House of Assembly.
“While the housing crisis continues across the province, I was not able to ask the following questions to the Liberal Government today in the House of Assembly:”
1. Speaker, the Canadian Press published findings that Newfoundland and Labrador is one of two provinces that rely on for-profit emergency shelters. Yesterday I witnessed police be called as a primary response to a resident being relocated again by this government. For-profit shelters are not the solution. Will this government release a plan to end the use of for-profit emergency shelters and re-allocate the millions of dollars paid to them annually into community based not-for-profit supportive housing, increased social work and housing support workers?
2. Speaker, out of all Atlantic Canadian provinces, Newfoundland and Labrador offers the lowest level of financial support for anyone who finds themselves in the emergency shelter system. The next lowest amount is almost three times what is offered in Newfoundland and Labrador. Will this government show compassion, increase the comfort allowance to an amount that provides comfort and dignity to people already struggling to find stability in their lives?
3. Speaker, this government was more focused on moving people living in tents off Confederation Hill than they were at ensuring living conditions were suitable for humans. Will the Premier ensure that provincial housing staff complete inspections and there living standards before handing over $300 per bed, per night, to for-profit shelter operators?
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For further information, contact Eddy St. Coeur, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), or eddystcoeur@gov.nl.ca