QUEEN’S PARK — MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner released the following statement outlining his priorities for the upcoming Fall Economic Statement.
“As the Fall Economic Statement looms, the government has a chance to step up and show Ontarians they’re ready to solve the housing crisis gripping our province.
To make up for five years of time wasted on flip-flops and distraction tactics.
There’s no doubt: our province needs a wartime effort to get more homes built now.
That means public and private actors coming together to mobilize an all-hands on deck building campaign like this province hasn’t seen in decades.
It means funding for market and non-market solutions that will ensure everyone has a place to call home.
It means putting aside party politics and working together to deliver the relief Ontarians need.
In the Fall Economic Statement, I am looking for funding in three key areas to support a wartime housing effort:
- Money to end homelessness through massive investments in non-market housing solutions like permanently affordable non-profit, co-op and supportive housing;
- Money to make home ownership a reality for more Ontarians by ensuring municipalities have the funding they need to achieve their ambitious housing targets; and
- Money to support climate-friendly building through residential retrofit grants and funding for renewables.
Our communities have been crystal clear. They want homes they can afford in communities they know and love – and they don’t want to pave over our prime farmland to get there. It’s time for this government to step up and deliver.”