Housing advocates in Quebec are urging the government to take immediate action in addressing the province’s affordable housing crisis. According to a recent report, there is a dire need for more social housing units in Quebec, and advocates are calling for the government to double the current number.
The report, released by the Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU), highlights the growing issue of housing affordability in Quebec. It states that there are currently over 200,000 households in the province that are struggling to find affordable housing, with many facing the risk of homelessness.
In light of these alarming statistics, housing advocates are demanding that the government take swift action to address the crisis. They are calling for the number of social housing units in Quebec to be doubled, from the current 60,000 to 120,000 units.
According to FRAPRU, this increase in social housing units would not only provide much-needed affordable housing for low-income households, but it would also create jobs and stimulate the economy. The organization estimates that the construction of 60,000 new social housing units would create over 100,000 jobs and generate $10 billion in economic activity.
Housing advocates are also urging the government to implement a rent control system to protect tenants from skyrocketing rent prices. They argue that without rent control, many low-income households will continue to struggle to keep up with the rising cost of housing.
In response to these demands, the Quebec government has stated that they are committed to addressing the affordable housing crisis. They have pledged to invest $2.5 billion over the next five years to create 15,000 new social housing units. However, advocates argue that this is not enough and that more needs to be done to truly make a difference.
The call for action from housing advocates comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the affordable housing crisis in Quebec. With many people facing job losses and financial struggles, the need for affordable housing has become even more urgent.
In conclusion, housing advocates in Quebec are calling on the government to double the number of social housing units in the province to address the growing issue of housing affordability. They argue that this would not only provide much-needed housing for low-income households, but it would also have a positive impact on the economy. The government has acknowledged the need for action and has pledged to invest in social housing, but advocates are urging them to do more to truly make a difference for those in need.
