BY RICHARD BROWN
GUEST OPINION
For Islanders looking for a solution to their housing needs, the Housing Action Plan developed by the provincial government points the way to how we can all work together to provide timely access to safe, accessible, appropriate and affordable housing. Included in the strategy is the creation of 1,000 new affordable units over the next four years, with 275 units this year.
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As the member of the legislature for Charlottetown-Victoria Park, I represent the most densely populated district in the province. Every day I see the consequences of our housing shortage. There are families living in apartments that are barely fit for human habitation. Many individuals and families are struggling to pay their rent. People are being forced out of apartments that are being renovated and upgraded. It is more and more difficult to find a decent and affordable place to live. Many cannot afford the increased costs of buying a home.
There are many reasons for this. More people are moving from rural to urban areas. Our population is growing. Long-term rental housing is being converted to short-term tourist accommodation. Most new housing starts are single unit, as opposed to multi-unit. There is a desperate shortage of housing for low and moderate-income Islanders. And rising interest rates will drive up the costs for both homeowners and renters.
Housing is a key support for continued population growth. Affordable housing that meets the needs of individuals and families is critical if they are to lead healthy, productive and successful lives. All people need safe and affordable housing.
Having a good home is basic to living a good life. This month, 170 prominent Canadians and organizations joined with the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness in calling on the federal government to make housing a fundamental human right.
As a member of the newly-formed cabinet committee on housing, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to tackle this critical challenge. We will be working closely with other levels of government, communities and community groups, the construction industry and advocates to ensure that this province has a level of housing that meets the needs of all Islanders.
I am deeply concerned that many Islanders do not have access to housing that meets their needs. A society where people are homeless or at risk of being homeless is not a fair or just society.
- Richard Brown is P.E.I.’s minister of communities, land and environment
