ACTION ALERT:
Remind McGuinty Liberals of Broken Housing Promises
It is the one-year anniversary of the McGuinty Liberals’ election in Ontario. The Liberals have failed to act on several key promises aimed at tackling the homelessness crisis and creating more affordable housing. It’s time to speak out! As the government begins to formulate its 2005 budget priorities, it is critical to demand a much greater investment to deal with the housing crisis.
Failed Promises
Below you will find “Promises and Actions” outlining the promises made during the election one year ago, and the subsequent action, or inaction.
Three of these are key:
1) The Liberals promised to match capital funding from the federal government to build affordable rental housing. Although they have increased the commitment made by the previous Tory government, it is still only about one quarter of the funds required to match the federal contribution, and only a very small amount of this money has been allocated to date.
2) The Liberals promised a housing allowance for 35,000 families spending more than 50% of their income on rent. Rent supplements, which provide the difference between ability to pay and market rent, have proven to be an effective way to provide housing for even the ‘hardest-to-house’. To date, the Liberals have not taken any action on this promise.
3) The Liberals promised 6,600 additional supportive units for people with mental health needs. To date, the Liberals have not taken any action on this promise.
Suggested Action
Contact by mail or email the following three ministers (you can send the same letter to each), with copies to the Premier and your MPP.
- Hon. David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal, 7 Queen’s Park Cres., 6th floor, Frost Bldg. South, Toronto ON M7A 1Y7 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) This ministry is responsible for affordable housing.
- Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing, 777 Bay St., 17th floor, Toronto ON M5G 2E5 ( jgerretsen.mpp@liberal.ola.org ) This ministry is responsible for rent supplements.
- Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, 80 Grosvenor St., 11th floor, Hepburn Block, Toronto, ON M7A 2C4 ( gsmitherman.mpp@liberal.ola.org ) This ministry shares responsibility for supportive housing.
- Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Room 281, Main Legislative Bldg., Toronto ON M7A 1A4 ( Dalton.McGuinty@premier.gov.on.ca )
For contact information for your MPP call 416 326-6300, or check web-site: www.electionsontario.on.ca
Your message
Urge the Liberal government to fulfill its election promises to:
1) Match the federal dollars to build affordable housing.
2) Create rent supplements for the tens of thousands of low-income tenants who cannot afford average rents.
3) Create supportive housing for people with mental illness or other special needs.
Tips
- You might start on a positive note by acknowledging the steps they have taken, e.g. rent bank.
- Comment on your own connection to the issues, and your feelings about the dire situation.
- Letters are generally more effective than emails.
Spread the Word
Make copies of this material and distribute it to the members of your congregation or other groups.
Use the “Promises & Actions” and Sample Letter to assist you:
Promises & Actions Download Options -
PDF or DOC
Sample Letter Download Options - PDF or DOC
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Please send us a copy of your letter and any response you receive.
Thank you,
Judy Vellend, Coordinator
Homelessness Action Group
c/o Trinity-St. Paul's United Church
427 Bloor St. W.
Toronto, ON M5S 1X7
phone: 416-656-0326
email: judy_v@sympatico.ca
website: www.homelessness.on.ca
