UCP HOUSING REPORT FAILS VULNERABLE ALBERTANS, OFFERS NO REMEDY TO HARM DONE BY THEIR OWN EXTREME AND CRUEL CUTS

EDMONTON - The UCP government is failing at-risk Albertans as their affordable housing review does not address their own damaging cuts, charges the Alberta NDP Caucus. 

The Final Report of the Alberta Affordable Housing Review Panel does not address the UCP’s decision to cut the rental supplement by 24 per cent, take $53 million out of the housing maintenance program, cut assistance for housing management bodies and providers, or the outright cancellation of the Indigenous Capital Renewal program.

“Alberta’s public housing system is being decimated at a time when we need it most. This review does nothing to help vulnerable Albertans and worse, it fails to address the problems the UCP have created,” said Alberta NDP Seniors and Housing Critic Lori Sigurdson. 

“This report highlights the problems in affordable housing while absolving the UCP from the harm done by their own attacks on Albertans working to escape poverty.”

The UCP’s housing review includes recommendations to use private public partnerships and transfer provincial housing assets. 

“It is clear the UCP are more interested in subsidizing the private market and distancing themselves from taking responsibility than working to ensure all Albertans have a place to call home,” Sigurdson continued. 

The report was completed in October but was not released until over two months later. 

“Instead of a bold and innovative vision for lifting up those in need, the UCP are pushing a backwards plan that’s been proven to fail time and time again,” said NDP Community and Social Services Critic Marie Renaud. 

“Right now, Albertans are being forced onto the streets because the UCP took away the supports they desperately needed. Our NDP caucus is working on a better plan, one that’s actually based on consultations with experts in the field, and not partisan politicians.” 

The UCP have also remained silent on the growing case count of COVID-19 amongst Alberta’s homeless population.

The Alberta NDP are engaging stakeholders to propose recommendations the province should make to affordable housing. Albertans are welcome to share their ideas at Albertasfuture.ca.