The Executive Committee of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) Board of Directors met Thursday with the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. FCM President Clark Somerville issued the following statement after the meeting:
"At today's meeting, Minister Duclos and municipal leaders discussed the need to act urgently to address Canada's housing crisis.
Housing is less affordable at every income level, and people are looking to all orders of government for action. Urgently, as federal operating agreements for social housing expire, the affordability and safety of housing is increasingly compromised, placing many vulnerable households at risk.
Canada's federal government has committed to strengthening our country by investing in infrastructure, including social infrastructure. Our message today is that any serious nation-building plan must include significant, dedicated funding for housing and homelessness solutions.
Municipal leaders are ready to work with this government on a National Housing Strategy — one that is both long-term and properly funded. We need to ensure that no one is without a home, that those who need social and affordable housing can access it, and that decent rental housing options are available across the country.
I would like to thank Minister Duclos for his engagement with municipal leaders today, and for his openness to continuing the conversation. Just as an affordable, safe home is the foundation for Canadian families, good housing solutions are the foundation for the Canada we all want to build."
FCM is the national voice of municipal government. In leading the municipal movement, FCM works to align federal and local priorities, recognizing that strong hometowns make for a strong Canada.
Homelessness
Housing