Homelessness


Last fall the World Economic Forum reported that a one-off $7500 payment to 50 homeless people in Vancouver had “beautiful surprising results”. These people managed the money themselves and compared to a base-line group of 65 other homeless people the recipients spent fewer days homeless over the next year. They also experienced less food insecurity and moved out of homelessness faster.


The fact is, homelessness is a fast growing, hidden crisis in Canada exacerbated by the pandemic. It happens all around us. In Milton, a suburban environment, it is there, just harder to see. In urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver you can’t help but notice. Homelessness happens for all kinds of reasons but, above all, it happens because we fail to recognize housing as a basic human right.


The NDP wants a future where everyone can find a safe and affordable place to call home, put down roots, and build a good life – and where your government builds affordable homes again and makes it more affordable to buy or rent. We need the courage – and meaningful action – to build a Canada without poverty, where all Canadians can count on quality public services and community supports to help them lead dignified lives. A core component of our approach is enshrining the right to housing in law, and starting work now with a goal of ending homelessness in Canada within a decade.

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