Province Delays

I seldom meet deadlines.

And while I like to think of myself as basically honest and well
intentioned I make a lot of promises that I don’t keep.

Now that I have full disclosure out of the way I’m feel less
constrained in criticizing the provincial government who, at least in
regard to their promised affordable housing strategy, both missed
the deadline and haven’t kept their promises.

Some history:

As part of their poverty reduction strategy developed earlier in
their second term, the McGuinty Liberals committed to developing a
long term affordable housing strategy.

An extensive consultation process commenced over a year
ago with the Minster of Housing or his Parliamentary Assistant visiting
13 cities to get input. In Hamilton, more than 200 people turned
out to a well run September event.

There was no shortage of ideas at the session and in briefs
submitted to the government. Our Clinic, for example, argued that
small changes to aspects of legislation governing rent-geared-toincome
housing programs would actually reduce homelessness.

Cynics cautioned that the government wasn’t really prepared
to make significant changes. But expectations had been raised
and, even though a new minister was brought in late in the game,
optimists were encouraged as the government repeatedly insisted a
report would come forward in June.

Then on June 15th an announcement: No report until
September. "We will continue to engage our partners over the
summer as we get down to the details," announced a Ministry
spokesperson."

So what’s the big deal with a few months delay, you say?

A lot, I’ll argue.

In Hamilton, the social housing waiting list has grown over
20% since the consultation began. (This is the largest percentage
increase in the province among big municipalities.) Almost no new
affordable rental housing has been built in our city in 15 years. The
number of rental housing units is actually decreasing in numbers
due to demolitions and condominium conversions. And, existing
housing is becoming more unaffordable as, according to data from
the Social Planning and Research Council, real incomes have been
stagnant and actually going down for those on social assistance.

Waiting a few months in order "to further engage" may not
seem like a huge delay. But for many in our community who
continue to live in precarious and difficult situations, I'm sure the
months will seem like years.

(This story originally appeared in North End Breezes.)