NATIONAL HOUSING BILL AIMS TO ENSURE SECURE, ADEQUATE, ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR CANADIANS

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Bill C-304, the proposed National Housing strategy bill, hopes to create legislation that would lead to a national housing strategy for Canada.

It calls for a National Housing Strategy that would bring together all levels of government to enact a plan to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians.

The Bill has already passed first and second reading in the Commons, and has been amended at committee after hearings with expert witnesses. It will go for third reading after Parliament resumes; the House of Commons is adjourned until Monday, September 20, 2010. It seems scheduled for Oct. 7, but that could change.

The summer adjournment of the House has given an unexpected opportunity for supporters to contact their MPs and urge passage of the long-overdue and much-needed national housing strategy.

Municipalities have pushed for passage of the bill, because municipalities bear the brunt of responsibility related to affordable housing.

Through the efforts of the MultiFaith Alliance to End Homelessness, Toronto City Council passed a resolution in 2009, endorsing the Bill and the need for a national housing strategy as well as having the federal government play a more forceful role in providing affordable housing.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Bill C - 304 As amended (UNOFFICIAL)

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