Dire warning made at national conference on housing and homelessness as Canadian economy is hit by the global recesssion.
Calgary (25 Feb. 2009) - Homelessness in Canada is soaring as the economy sinks, say experts who deal with the issue.
Beric German, a worker with Toronto's Street Health, told a housing and homelessness conference at the University of Calgary that an "incredible crisis" is now unfolding in cities and communities across the country.
"The recession is going to change all of our lives in some fashion, and for people on lower income or who become unemployed, this can mean homelessness. It could double, it could triple and this is the time for us to act," he said.
Fuelling the situation along with escalating job losses are inadequate employment and welfare benefits and a deficient national housing strategy, he added.
The three-day conference brought together more than 600 front-line workers, academics and policy-makers.
Diane Finley, federal human resources minister, told the gathering that the government in Ottawa has committed $2 billion — announced in the federal budget — to help renovate and build affordable housing. Ottawa has asked the provinces to match the $2 billion investment.
The first national housing and homelessness conference was held in Toronto in 2005.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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