Harb concerned about homeless
I am writing in response to the editorial that appeared Nov. 10 in Centretown News concerning Mac Harb and the issue of homelessness. As a housing and homelessness advocate, I found the article inconsistent with my knowledge of Mac Harb.
Homelessness does exist in Ottawa and we are all aware of the seriousness of the crisis. In fact, the Region of Ottawa-Carleton was one of the first cities to declare homelessness a national disaster!
Mac Harb was one of several Liberal caucus members who urged the government to take measures not only to address the homelessness tragedy but also address the need for more affordable housing. Their efforts paid off. In December 1999, the federal government announced $740 million over three years for homelessness initiatives, including support for shelters, transition housing and service for the homeless. Mac Harb ensured that Ottawa would be one of the 10 Canadian cities receiving this assistance. We will receive $17 million. Requests for proposals for the first portion have already gone out.
As we all know, the long-term solution to the homelessness crisis is more affordable housing. Mac Harb has been one of the members of Parliament urging the government to commit funding for new assisted housing.
The February 2000 federal budget indicated the government’s willingness to fund affordable housing under the new infrastructure program. The Liberal Party is promising to spend $170 million annually on new non-profit housing. Mac has also worked hard on behalf of his constituency to protect the existing social housing stock, and to ensure that it remains accessible and available for low-income and needy households in our area.
Mac Harb has always been supportive of local housing groups and housing initiatives. Homelessness will not be wiped out over night. We still have a long fight ahead. We should not belittle those political leaders that do support our efforts.
George Devine
Garneau Street