News
NDP rolls out Housing Ministry plank
Gov't without a plan, Alberta's NDP steps in
September 27, 2006
Edmonton - NDP Opposition Leader Brian Mason and Housing Critic Ray Martin today began rolling out the Alberta NDP's plan to deal with Alberta's looming housing crisis.
"The Conservative government has been trying unsuccessfully to come to grips with housing issues in Alberta through one-off, ad hoc funding announcements," says Mason. "Clearly, there needs to be a plan to deal with this period of unprecedented growth and its effects on housing. A housing ministry is needed to have a comprehensive approach to these issues."
"A housing ministry would be better positioned to have an overview of all the issues around housing, including homelessness, consumer protection and coordinating federal and municipal efforts," states Mason.
"Unlike the current regime, the Alberta's NDP has a plan to deal with housing issues. Alberta's NDP Opposition will be unveiling a comprehensive plan to come to grips with the housing issue over the coming weeks."
The first part of Alberta NDP's housing ministry plan is providing protection for Alberta's renters. MLA Ray Martin says that Alberta can protect renters from skyrocketing rents, while stimulating growth in affordable housing, by instituting rent guidelines.
"Rent guidelines are a concept that has worked in other jurisdictions. Under a rent guidelines strategy, landlords will not be allowed to arbitrary increase rents unless there are major upgrades or investments in the property. Tying rents to the Consumer Price Index, plus up to 2%, will help protect renters in times of major economic growth," says Martin. "This has worked very well in Ontario and British Columbia in helping to protect renters from rents going through the roof."
"Alberta's homeowners, renters, and those in need of homes must have a government with solutions for today and a vision for tomorrow. It is painfully obvious that the Conservatives have neither. Over the next few weeks, Alberta's NDP will be rolling out innovative solutions to help Albertans grapple with some of the problems associated with this time of unprecedented growth," concludes Mason.
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Rick Bell, Calgary Sun
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