[LabComm] James Pressures Campbell to Take Immediate Action on Homelessness in Vancouver

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

James Pressures Campbell to Take Immediate Action on Homelessness in Vancouver

NDP Leader Says Province Should Contribute to Municipal Plan

VANCOUVER - After almost four years of BC Liberal neglect, the Campbell government needs to join with the City of Vancouver and take specific steps to alleviate the city's growing homelessness crisis, NDP Leader Carole James said today.

"Despite Mr. Campbell's rhetoric, the Premier has paid very little attention to homelessness, and his government has removed many needed supports," said James. "It's time Mr. Campbell woke up to the issue by taking immediate concrete steps to support the City's plan to deal with the crisis."

NDP MLA Jenny Kwan said that according to Vancouver city staff, homelessness has doubled since 2001, with up to 1200 people now living on Vancouver's streets.  She pointed to the Campbell government's cancellation of over 1,000 new housing units in 2001 as one example of the decisions that have contributed to the current crisis. 

NDP MP Libby Davies, who has long advocated for action on homelessness, said that Ottawa needs to focus more resources on social housing to support the City's efforts. 

"If we are going to deal with this growing crisis, we need a true partnership between all levels of government," said Davies.

James said there are three immediate specific steps the Campbell government can take to help the City implement its Homelessness Action Plan.

1. Partner with the City and the Federal government to build 800 supportive housing units.  Cost: $6-11 million.

2. Increase funding for Assertive Community Treatment, programming for those coping with mental illness and drug addiction.  Cost: $5 million.

3. Take steps to ensure homeless British Columbians have access to social assistance to help pay for housing.  Cost: $5 million

James said that the City of Vancouver has earmarked $2 -$3 million a year for the plan and is working with the Federal Government for added contributions. 

Linda Mix, the Coordinator for the Tenants Rights Action Coalition, echoed James' call for Provincial action in support of the City's plan.

"The City of Vancouver is taking a lead role in Canada to reduce homelessness. With a budget surplus, what we need now is a serious financial contribution from the Campbell government to fulfill the plan, and get more social housing built to provide homes for British Columbians on the housing waitlists."

James also noted that homelessness is not just an issue for Vancouver. Other cities are currently examining their needs. Victoria, for example, is now engaged in a homelessness survey and the Surrey Roundtable on Homelessness is actively developing its own plan. 

"As these needs are brought forward, Gordon Campbell must respond immediately to solve the problems his government has created," said James. 

"But next Monday is National Housing Day, and it is a great opportunity for Mr. Campbell to start the ball rolling with a financial commitment to the Vancouver Plan."

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