Optimism for Housing Bill

At the risk of repeating myself (see earlier postings) members of Parliament are voting on Bill C- 304 today.

You’ll know that Bill C-304 is a private member's bill from MP Libby Davies that would require the federal government to consult widely and create a national affordable housing plan within six months

Housing advocate Michael Shapcott of the Wellesley Institute (http://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/) reports that “(T)his is the closest Canada has come to a truly comprehensive national affordable housing plan in two decades, and would help to bring Canada in compliance with its international housing rights obligations.”

It has been a long and complicated process for Bill 304.

NDP and Liberal Members have backed the bill since the outset. Bloc members who were once onside, then opposed, seem to be in support again subject to approval of an amendment.

If I’m understanding it correctly, then, today’s vote would send the bill back to Committee where it should pass.

Later in December Libby Davies hopes that it will get to the floor of the Commons for third reading before Parliament recesses for the holidays in mid-December.

When I mentioned this at home this morning the response I got was: “Yeah, but what about the Senate?”

I’ll have to think about that one.