MP Arnold consulting for national housing strategy

Mel Arnold, Member of Parliament for North Okanagan- Shuswap, hosted a roundtable on Thursday, October 13 focused on affordable housing and the obstacles faced by Canadians who are unable to secure housing. The roundtable drew together representatives from organizations that provide support and services in local communities to people trying to establish housing.

“Housing is a challenge for people in our communities and this consultation with local support and service providers assisting those seeking housing on a daily basis helps me understand what our local needs are in terms of affordable housing,” said MP Arnold. “Challenges in housing can stem from many factors including availability of housing and, or, financing and these must be considered in a National Housing Strategy.”

On June 27, 2016, the federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development met with provincial ministers to discuss a National Housing Strategy and as a result the federal government, provinces and territories agreed in principle with the National Housing Strategy Vision. Only the Province of Quebec opted out.

“I first raised the matter of affordable housing with the Minister of Finance in March and I hope that the pursuit of a National Housing Strategy will render support for affordable housing needs in communities, including our First Nation communities,” MP Arnold said.

“Accessing housing is an important step for folks establishing or re-establishing their independence and so mitigating the challenges of securing housing is an effective means of helping people get back on their feet,” MP Arnold concluded. “I will continue to advocate for the housing needs of our communities with the federal government and in the National Housing Strategy process.”