Surely a home – an affordable, safe, comfortable roof over one’s head – is not too much to ask for people who live in Don Valley West. Yet for so many in our riding, that simple but profound measure of a good life is precarious at best – and at worst, unattainable.
Think of all of the people we walk past every day who are finding a space to live on our sidewalks. Think of the tenants living precariously, paying 60 or 70 percent (or more) of their incomes in rent. Think of those tenants now living in substandard housing requiring repairs and upgrading that landlords, who are often our governments, refuse to make. Think of those young and not-so-young in our riding who dream of owning their own home. An unattainable dream for almost anyone as housing prices skyrocket in our city.
It is important to remember that all of us wish, hope, for a roof over our loved ones’ and ourselves that provides shelter. Where we can create a home. We work hard, in part, to find this home. Somewhere safe. Some in our riding have found that home. No one in Don Valley West begrudges that. In fact, we often celebrate it. We are good people and what we desire for ourselves, we desire for all.
On November 28 I joined in the Ontario NDP Day of Action on Housing. An NDP Government elected on June 2 would take the following measures to ensure all in the Province can find the home that fits their needs:
Give financial help to renters who need it most
· Help first time buyers with a down payment
· Make sure what is paid by a new renter is what the last renter paid, ending ever- increasing rents
· Extend the life of 260,000 affordable homes, and build 69,000 new ones
· Enact a plan to end homelessness within 10 years
· Take on speculators and developers with a 20 percent Non-Resident Speculation tax, a vacant homes tax
Growing up in Ottawa I lived in housing projects. My family found community there. My parents both working long hours to try to make ends meet, managing and sacrificing, often barely holding things together. I have no doubt that this life took its toll on them.
I imagine a government that would have thought of my parents and the well being of my family. I imagine that government today thinking of all those yearning for and struggling for a safe home, rented or owned. A government that makes every decision based upon the well being of people, not the well being of the development industry or its own political largesse.
I think this government is possible. I want Don Valley West to make it possible for everyone. This is why I run.
For more information contact; Irwin.elman@ontariondp.ca