Debates of March 9, 2005 (day 52)

Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. In my statement last week, Mr. Speaker, I noted that 25 percent of households in my constituency have a core need for housing. This means that 200 out of 754 households in Nahendeh are either overcrowded, unsafe, too expensive, or all the above.

As I said last week, if the Housing Corporation would just build a four-plex in Jean Marie River, it would take care of 90 percent of their housing issues; 90 percent, Mr. Speaker. So I support the Housing Corporation's strategy to build multiple family dwellings like four-plexes.

Hear! Hear!

Four-plexes are more economical to heat, they have shared water and sewage lines, and greater savings can be found by having tenants make use of shared facilities like laundry rooms. Four-plexes are also a good way to offer independence to elders or people with disabilities, Mr. Speaker.

The apartments are smaller, easier to maintain and there is no shovelling or need for expensive maintenance by the residents. The also make great starter homes for young families, who sometimes need to learn about the responsibility of taking care of their own place, paying their own bills and owning their own home.

Mr. Speaker, the government needs to do something, and they need to do something now about the housing crisis in Nahendeh. I receive e-mails and phone calls from constituents on a daily basis who live under terrible circumstances. These people can’t wait a few more years for a house or an apartment. We need solutions now. The government says that they have made provisions for suitable, adequate and affordable housing a cornerstone of their strategic plan, Mr. Speaker. I would like to encourage this government to be more innovative and find quick, creative solutions to our housing problems. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause