For Immediate Release
November 22, 2024
"Today, on National Housing Day, we recognize the fundamental right to safe and affordable housing — a right that too many people in Newfoundland and Labrador are being denied.
“The housing crisis in our province continues to burden many people, especially seniors on fixed incomes and those who are trying to pull themselves out of homelessness. The government says they are doing enough, but I can’t see it. Rents are soaring, vacancy rates are plummeting, and families, seniors, students, and individuals are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. This is a crisis that demands real solutions and real leadership, but so far, the provincial government has failed to deliver.
“The NL NDP has put forward a comprehensive housing plan that prioritizes bold actions to address this crisis. Our plan includes significant investments in affordable housing, rent stabilization measures, and long-term strategies to ensure housing is accessible and sustainable for everyone. These are the steps we need to take — not more empty promises or band-aid solutions. We need to abandon the idea that the private market is the only way to solve this crisis. We must invest in community non-market housing that can provide safety, supports, and hope for many. Unfortunately, government doesn’t get it.
“Just recently, NL Housing Corporation sold off 4 units that were damaged in a fire last year. Government squandered an opportunity to do something meaningful to address the shortage of affordable housing. Instead of rebuilding these units, using this land as a much needed community centre for the downtown area, or even offering the land to a not for profit like the Cooperative Housing Association of NL Government sold it to a private buyer.
“The people of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve a government that prioritizes their well-being. On this National Housing Day, I call on the provincial government to do the real work to ensure every resident has a place to call home. The solutions are on the table; it’s time to act.
“Let’s commit to building a future where housing is a right, not a privilege, and where no one in our province is left out in the cold."
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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca
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