Category Archives: Blog

Statement on motion to declare an emergency regarding homelessness in Ottawa

The Ottawa Mission strongly supports Councillor Catherine McKenney’s notice of motion brought forward to city council to declare an emergency regarding homelessness in Ottawa, and commends her for bringing this initiative forward in her capacity as Special Liaison for Housing and Homelessness on Ottawa City Council.

Despite the City of Ottawa’s 10-year plan to reduce homelessness, the situation in our community has significantly worsened. This includes:

42% of renters spend more than 30% or more of their pre-tax income to pay the median rent for local housing that is adequate, affordable and suitable.
The wait list for affordable housing has increased by 14.8% to over 12,100 households in the past year.
Emergency shelter use increased by 6.5% in the past year.
In terms of chronic and episodic homelessness, significant increases have occurred amongst single men (10.8% and 5.6%), and amongst families (13.7% for chronic homelessness)
Homelessness can happen to anyone, but has a disproportionate burden on very vulnerable populations, including: families; those who identify as Indigenous; those who identify as LGBTQ; women, particularly those fleeing domestic violence; veterans, and others.

When people have access to stable, safe and affordable housing, this allows them to focus on other aspects of their lives. Unfortunately, despite investments by governments, almost 8,000 people are living in emergency shelters in our community, meaning that they are operating at over 100% capacity every night, people are sleeping outside in wintertime, and women fleeing domestic abuse are being turned away from shelters with few other options for safety, often returning to unsafe circumstances.

The urgency and magnitude of this situation highlights the immediate need for collaborative action to find safe, accessible and supportive housing for thousands who need it in Ottawa. The Ottawa Mission urges the municipal, provincial and federal governments to work together now to provide practical, accessible and timely solutions to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

Greggory is Home for the Holidays

Greggory stayed with us at The Ottawa Mission over last Christmas, and although no-one wants to spend the holiday season in a shelter, he was very grateful for all that was done by staff and volunteers to make things as special as possible for those who had nowhere else to go. He talks about the backpacks filled with donated items like socks and treats and Tim’s cards that were placed by each bed on Christmas morning, the church group that came in to sing carols in the Chapel, and of course, the fabulous turkey dinner with all the trimmings. He says it was a very peaceful time.

Beyond this, Greggory is also grateful for the unqualified support he has received at The Mission this past year that is allowing him to move on to a better life. He has become a devoted attendee of our Day Program, where group sessions and personal counselling are available, and credits the positive reinforcement he has received all along the way with helping him maintain his sobriety for close to a year now!

Today, not only is Greggory working part-time, but, with the help of our housing support team, he has found a safe and affordable place to call home in time for Christmas.

Greggory still intends to continue to visit The Mission regularly to attend Day Program, and says he wouldn’t miss the Christmas dinner! He knows that he owes so much of what he has accomplished to people like you who support the work of The Mission, and to you he would like to say, “Thank you so much for helping me change my life – God bless you!”

Dylan’s Inspirational Journey

At 26, Dylan has had a lot of pain and hardship in his life. But, in recent years, he has also accomplished more than he ever dreamed possible! And he credits The Ottawa Mission for giving him life-changing support and inspiration when he needed it most.

Dylan fell into a life of alcohol and drugs when he was very young. Then he found himself involved in a situation that threatened to destroy any chance for him to succeed in life. He had to spend time in jail, and his sense of guilt and remorse was overwhelming. He was just 18.

It was during this time that Dylan’s path towards redemption and hope began – with the ongoing love and support of his family. He studied hard and achieved his high school diploma (he had only been in school up to grade 7). He also worked in the kitchen – where he felt peaceful and productive. When he was released, a vocational counsellor suggested he look into The Mission’s Food Services Training Program (FSTP). The rest, as they say, is history.

In the FSTP, Dylan not only embraced the hard work and long hours, but he also felt part of something special at The Mission. He looked around him at people who were homeless and hurting and felt nothing but compassion. And, for the first time in his life, he didn’t feel judged – his healing had truly begun.

After graduating from the FSTP in 2016, Dylan enrolled in Algonquin College’s Culinary Management Program which he completed 2 years later on the Dean’s List and Honour Roll! Dylan had no doubt where he wanted to put his education to work and, as chance would have it, there was an opening in the kitchen at The Mission. He will soon be celebrating 7 months on the job.

This Christmas will be special for Dylan as he reflects on the past few years with great gratitude for The Mission, and for your support. It’s been a remarkable journey for a remarkable young man.

Paul Has the Gift of Hope this Christmas

Paul is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. And, thanks to you, it’s a heart filled with hope as Christmas approaches.

Paul is from Carleton Place where he spent his childhood with seven siblings. His father passed away when he was just 6, and Paul’s sense of loss was intense. He began working as a farmhand for a neighbour when he was only 12, and that’s about the time that his addiction to alcohol began.

Paul fought his addiction for many years, but he always worked – as a specialist Glazier Mechanic in the construction industry, and also as a musician. As time went by, he found himself struggling harder to overcome his addiction. Finally, in his late 50’s Paul summoned the strength to change his life for the better.

When he came to The Ottawa Mission in 2018, Paul embraced all of the help that was available to him. He entered our Stabilization program to get ready for long term treatment. Then it was on to LifeHouse, our residential trauma and addiction program. At LifeHouse, Paul experienced what he calls “the warmth, compassion and safety that helped me break down the walls of my addiction.” From there, he went on to live in one of The Mission’s Second Stage homes in the community, where LifeHouse graduates live together and re-connect with the basics of cooking and cleaning for themselves and others, and prepare to move towards a healthy and productive life.

Paul has since moved into his own apartment with the help of our housing staff, and he remains close to his friends from Second Stage, and to his extended family at The Mission. While he continues his recovery, his gratitude for his second chance at life is huge, and he knows he owes it all to you, because you gave him the support he needed that has changed his life.

Barry’s Stepping Stones to Success

We first told Barry’s story in 2017 when he came to us looking for help. After 14 years working as a window installer, the company closed its doors. Then he had some serious medical problems that left him unable to work. For the first time in his life, Barry found himself needing social assistance to make ends meet. As time went by, Barry’s health improved, but he couldn’t find work – mostly because he wasn’t sure how to do a good job search. And he hadn’t been to school in a long time!

The Mission’s Client Services Centre provides a variety of support to people who are struggling – among them education and training opportunities at our Stepping Stones Learning Centre (SS LC). Staff in Client Services and SS LC helped Barry in many ways – building a solid resume, providing training in computer basics, and giving him hands-on assistance with his job search. Barry found a job. In fact, he found more than one, but continued to enjoy his visits to the classroom and all that he was learning. It was time for a new challenge!

Even though Barry did not initially indicate earning a high school diploma as one of his goals, his comfort in the classroom and his newfound confidence led him to revisit the idea. We ordered his transcript and soon found out that he had only one high school credit to go before achieving his diploma. In January 2018, Barry registered for ENG4E, a Grade 12 English course that would complete his credits.

Barry worked hard with our teacher at SS LC, and on June 13, 2019, in front of his son and daughter (see photo), friends, and proud Mission staff, he walked across the Ottawa Carleton District School Board’s Continuing Education stage to receive his high school diploma. At 58, Barry has achieved a major milestone in his life that he never imagined was possible, and his future looks brighter than ever.

Federal Election Candidate Responses to Questionnaire on Homelessness

This questionnaire was sent to candidates in ridings in and surrounding Ottawa who had valid email addresses. The chart below summarizes the responses of all candidates that were sent in to The Ottawa Mission. The chart does not advocate voting for any party or candidate.

Q1 – Will you/your party invest in building new affordable housing across the country in which tenants pay no more than 30% of their income? How much money will you invest? How will you go about creating more housing?

Q2 – Will you/your party invest in housing loss prevention measures such as rent supplements, housing allowances and other measures to help stem the flow of people into homelessness?

Q3 – To address homelessness, you have to address not only the need for homes, but also the social determinants of homelessness such as poverty, mental illness, and other factors. How will your party work with municipalities to support urgently needed funds for affordable housing, and also address the underlying causes of homelessness.

Jennifer Purdy – Green Party of Canada – KANATA CARLETON

A1 – I have been an ardent supporter of the Mission (and Sheps) for several years now. Our plan is as follows:

Legislate housing as a legally protected fundamental human right for all Canadians and permanent residents.
Appoint a Minister of Housing to strengthen the National Housing Strategy so that it meets the needs for affordable housing that are unique to each province, and oversee its implementation in collaboration with provincial ministers. This recognizes that housing is provincial jurisdiction. The target would be 25,000 new and 15,000 rehabilitated units annually for the next 10 years.
Increase the National Housing Co-investment Fund by $750 million for new builds, and the Canada Housing Benefit by $750 million for rent assistance for 125,000 households.
Create a Canada Co-op Housing Strategy that would update the mechanisms for financing co-op housing, in partnership with CMHC, co-op societies, credit unions and other lenders.

A2 –

Include new and existing housing as eligible infrastructure for funding purposes, allowing the Canada Infrastructure Bank to support provincial and municipal housing projects.
Provide financing to non-profit housing organizations and cooperatives to build and restore quality, energy efficient housing for seniors, people with special needs and low-income families.
Restore tax incentives for building purpose-built rental housing and provide tax credits for gifts of lands, or of land and buildings, to community land trusts to provide affordable housing.
Restore tax incentives for building purpose-built rental housing and provide tax credits for gifts of lands, or of land and buildings, to community land trusts to provide affordable housing.
Remove the “deemed” GST whenever a developer with empty condo units places them on the market as rentals. Re-focus the core mandate of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporate (CMHC) on supporting the development of affordable, non-market and cooperative housing.
Change the legislation that prevents Indigenous organizations from accessing financing through CMHC to invest in self-determined housing needs.

Expand the single-payer Medicare model to include Pharmacare for everyone as well as free dental care for low-income Canadians.
Negotiate the Canada Health Accord to prioritize expansion of mental health and rehabilitation services, reduction in wait times, access to safe abortion services and access to gender-affirming health services such as hormones, blockers, and surgery.
Uphold Jordan’s Principle in full, ensuring Indigenous People receive the health care they need without being delayed by bureaucratic disagreements over jurisdiction.
Reorient Health Canada’s mandate towards mental health and addictions, health promotion and disease prevention, and the health risks of climate change.
Establish a national mental health strategy and a suicide prevention strategy to address the growing anxieties plaguing Canadians regarding inequality and affordability, the growing precariousness of work and housing, the climate crisis, social isolation, resurgent racial and ethno-nationalism and other harms and risks.
Establish a universal Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI) program to replace the current array of income supports, such as disability payments, social assistance and income supplements for seniors.

Gordon Kubanek – Green Party of Canada – CARLETON

A1 – We will help with affordable housing by intensifying all cities and stopping urban sprawl and working with the provinces to mandate that affordable housing is a part of all development.

A2 – we know that without a home people become sick both physically and mentally and cannot heal from any addictions, etc. they may be struggling, so eliminating homeless is ESSENTIAL – in both a moral and financial manner

A3 – We will give cities the power to tax by transferring some of the GST and fed. Gas tax to the cities and mandate that is it used for programs such as this.

Vincent Cama – Communist Party of Canada – WEST NEPEAN

A1 – The Communist Party’s housing platform is specifically designed to ensure that all of us – no matter how much or how little we make – is guaranteed the right to decent housing. In Vienna, Austria, 62% of the housing stock is social housing. It is actually the preferred place to get housing there because, unlike here, it is well designed and well kept. It is a holistic system where people can expect to live full and meaningful lives and that’s what we want to create here. These would be 100% publicly owned and operated without the “assistance” of the private sector. In brief, our platform calls for:

Building one million units of social housing for sale and for rent across the country, simultaneously creating hundreds of thousands of new green jobs in construction and manufacturing.
Enacting a federal housing policy that recognizes housing is a fundamental human right, and making housing a public utility.
Ensuring that no-one pays more than 20% of their income on shelter using rent controls and rent roll-backs.
Using federal powers to end the housing crisis and homelessness now.
Building emergency shelters and transition housing.
Banning evictions, mortgage foreclosures and utility cutoffs due to unemployment.
Establishing federal-provincial-municipal land banks to assemble land for affordable social housing, schools, hospitals, parks and public works, and to prevent developers and builders from gobbling up valuable public land to inflate housing prices and rents, for profit.
Guaranteeing tenants the right to organize.

We would invest whatever necessary to make sure that these things happen and we would pay for it by re-introducing a real progressive taxation system that would see the rich pay substantially more into federal revenues than they do at present, placing the banks and industrial manufacturing and engineering firms under public and transparent democratic control [ie. nationalizing] and slashing military spending by 75%.

A2 – The Communist Party is of the opinion that rent supplements, housing allowances and other such measures do not go far enough in addressing the scope and scale of the housing crisis. Instead of these options that often end up as simple subsidies for landlords in the final analysis, we would, as above, pursue a housing strategy that would in time guarantee everyone quality housing as a fundamental right.

A3 – The Communist Party could not agree more with this analysis and we would combine the aforementioned housing strategy with a comprehensive full-employment strategy to address the underlying social causes of homelessness in Canada that would raise wages, pensions and living standards across the board. This would involve massive state investments in infrastructure with value-added jobs in environmentally sustainable manufacturing. We’d be basically rebuilding Canada’s infrastructure in many cases from the bottom up to address and reflect the environmental reality of our present era of man-made climate change and to meet the needs of the entire population, ensuring that people and nature are put before profit with every decision. Not a small job that and one that requires many hands. This includes the aforementioned plan for new social housing plus revamped mass transit, electrical and renewable energy systems at the municipal, national and federal levels. Our platform also speaks to providing 100% free and universal healthcare, visioncare, pharmacare, mental health care and other social programs.

If these ideas seem too bold and unrealistic I would remind you of the incredible wealth gap in this country and in most of the western world, illicitly made off the backs of working people the world over and which serves no purpose but to flatter the personal vanity of a fundamentally useless element of society: the bourgeoisie, the rich, the 1%, whatever you want to call them, we don’t need them. We believe that wealth does not exist in bank accounts but in the human and natural resources of all nations on earth. It’s our duty as socialists to put forward an alternative vision of what society could be, always taking the perspective of serving the poor and oppressed, and that’s what we’ve done. The problem at present is not a fundamental scarcity but in the priorities that we set as a society. A realistic and sustainable system would unbind human and natural resources from the inhuman reach of the so-called “free market” and re-prioritize human life and the natural environment above profit. This involves smashing the present status quo that continues to labour under the fantasy that the wealthy are good-faith stakeholders in society. A simple look at reality will tell you: they are not and the majority of people would be better off if they didn’t exist. Let’s get to it.

Zaff Ansari – New Democratic Party of Canada – NEPEAN

A1 – Yes, not only will we maintain current investment, we will significantly increase it. Our federal investment will begin with $5 billion in additional funding in the first year and a half of a New Democrat government.

A major part of the long-term solution to the problem is to ensure that more affordable rental units are built across the country. That’s why a New Democrat government will create 500,000 units of quality, affordable housing in the next ten years, with half of that done within five years. This will be achieved with the right mix of effective measures that work in partnership with provinces and municipalities, build capacity for social, community, and affordable housing providers and co-ops, and meet environmental, energy-efficiency goals.

A2 – The NDP platform commits rental benefits of up to $5,000 each year. As Jagmeet Singh has noted, “we need to have the courage to act. That’s why New Democrats will deliver immediate help for families who are struggling most to pay their rent.” The NDP’s rental benefit will be targeted at families who are paying more than 30 per cent of their pre-tax income on housing, as immediate help to make ends meet.

A3 – We believe we need the courage – and meaningful action – to build a Canada without poverty, where all Canadians can count on quality public services and community supports to help them lead dignified lives. A core component of our approach is enshrining in law the right to housing and starting work now with a goal of ending homelessness in Canada within a decade.

Our affordable housing strategy will include measures to support Canadians at risk of becoming homeless, take the lead from communities about local needs, and adopt a “housing first” approach. To help people find an affordable home in the long term, we will support the creation of more social housing and other affordable options. Poor health and poverty are linked and a national pharmacare program will mean that all Canadians can access the prescription medicine they need, regardless of their income, or address. Better access to mental health and addictions support will also form a key part of our approach to tackling poverty, and homelessness. A New Democrat government will work with the provinces to launch a national basic income pilot project in addition to continuing Ontario’s program, in order to gather data about this approach to tackling income precarity.

Angella MacEwan – New Democratic Party of Canada – OTTAWA SOUTH

A1 – The NDP will build 500,000 units of quality, affordable housing in the next ten years, beginning with an investment of $5 billion in additional funding for affordable housing in the first year and a half of a New Democrat government. This will be achieved in partnership with provinces and municipalities, and will aim to build capacity for social, community, and affordable housing providers and co-ops, and meet environmental, energy-efficiency goals. In order to kick-start the construction of co-ops, social and non-profit housing, we will set up dedicated fast-start funds to streamline the application process and help communities get the expertise and assistance they need to get projects off the ground today, not years from now.

A New Democrat government will also spur the construction of affordable homes by waiving the federal portion of the GST/HST on the construction of new affordable rental units – a simple change that will help get new units built faster and keep them affordable for the long term. These measures will help address the housing crisis at the source, but we also need to make sure that families who are hurting get help now. Families do not have years to wait when every day is a struggle and a constant worry. That’s why we’ll provide immediate relief for families who struggle to afford rent in otherwise suitable housing, while we bring forward long-term solutions to the housing affordability crisis.

A2 – An NDP government will provide direct and immediate help to families who are in core housing need, paying more than 30% of their income on rent. A rent subsidy of up to $5000 per family per year will be available.

A3 – New Democrats believe the time has come to build a Canada without poverty, where all Canadians can count on quality public services and community supports to help them lead dignified lives. A core component of our approach is enshrining in law the right to housing and starting work now with a goal of ending homelessness in Canada within a decade. Our affordable housing strategy will include measures to support Canadians at risk of becoming homeless, taking the lead from communities to address local needs, and adopting a “housing first” approach. To help people find an affordable home in the long term, we will support the creation of more social housing and other affordable options.

Poor health and poverty are linked and a national pharmacare program will mean that all Canadians can access the prescription medicine they need, regardless of their income, or address. Better access to mental health and addictions support will also form a key part of our approach to tackling poverty, and homelessness. A New Democrat government will also work with the provinces to launch a national basic income pilot project, in addition to continuing Ontario’s program.

Morgan Gay – New Democratic Party of Canada – OTTAWA SOUTH

A1 – One of my key fights is for a national affordable housing policy that has teeth. Last year, the Herongate community experienced a mass eviction that forced more than 500 people from their homes. The renters who were forced to leave had few options for where to go. They’re not alone. A recent study found that a minimum wage worker could afford an average-priced apartment in none of Ottawa’s 27 neighbourhoods. Rising rental costs are making life unaffordable for many including people living on fixed incomes; single earner households; and the one in four Canadians who earn within $3 of their province’s minimum wage. Electing an NDP government will ensure that 500,000 quality, affordable housing units are built in the next ten years with a federal investment starting at $5 billion in additional funding in the 1.5 years to jump start the development, and 250,000 of these units become available in the first five years.

A2 – The measures listed above will help address the housing crisis at the source, but we also need to make sure that families that are hurting get help now. That’s why the NDP will provide relief for families that are struggling to afford rent in otherwise suitable housing, while we bring forward long-term solutions to the housing affordability crisis. The NDP has pledged to offer annual subsides of up to $5,000 families as a way to deliver immediate help for families struggling to pay their rents. This would benefit nearly 500,000 families.

A3 – The NDP affordable housing strategy will include measures to support Canadians at risk of becoming homeless, take the lead from communities about local needs, and adopt a “housing first” approach. In a country as wealthy as Canada, there is no excuse to leave any Canadian living in poverty without a safe roof over their head. Poor health and poverty are linked and the NDP pharmacare program will mean that all Canadians can access the prescription medicine they need, regardless of their income, or address. Better access to mental health and addictions support will also form a key part of our approach to tackling poverty. New Democrats will also work with the provinces to launch a national basic income pilot project in addition to continuing Ontario’s program, in order to gather data about this approach to tackling income precarity.

Larry Wasslen – Communist Party of Canada – OTTAWA SOUTH

A1 – The Communist Party fully recognizes the depth of the housing crisis across Canada. From large cities to rural communities to First Nations territories there is a very large housing deficit. Housing is a Human Right. Consequently we argue that a comprehensive solution is required. The two foundational pillars of our program including publicly owned and democratically controlled housing. We call for the federal govt to become directly involved in creating 250,000 units each year for the next four years. In addition we call for extensive investment in improving already existing social housing. We need to remove profiteering from the housing equation.

A2 – Loss prevention is another critical issue. Many families are one payday away from loosing their shelter. Our program calls for a number of measures to prevent this. A serious effort to establish rent controls that blocks landlords from increasing rents is very important. We are the only party calling for rent roll backs. Our comprehensive program calls for a shift of wealth from corporations and the wealthy to the working class and poor. Examples include $20.00 minimum wage and a guaranteed liveable annual income among many others. Profiteering is the route cause and we are the only party willing to face this challenge head on.

A3 – Our party posits that municipalities should have a constitutionally recognized role in our country. This would certainly enhance their ability to address serious issues. Over the past 60 years at least the Communist Party has called for a massive expansion in comprehensive Medicare to include mental health, pharmacare, dental care, vision care. Interestingly, in this election both the Greens and the NDP are moving towards our comprehensive approach on some issues. Yet I must emphasize that our approach does not mean downloading the costs of these services onto municipalities as liberal, conservative, and social democratic parties have done over and over again. The Federal Govt must take the lead in all these areas. Funds to deliver these programs should be raised by significantly increasing taxes on corporations and the wealth and by a drastic cut in war spending.

Merrylee Sevilla – People’s Party of Canada – OTTAWA CENTRE

A1– One of the first things I would do as the People’s Party Candidate for Ottawa-Centre is work with local government to see what is and has been the delay with regards to affordable housing. I would look to find investors who would be willing to work with Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels of government to fix, improve and renovate buildings that have remained untouched and abandoned. Doing this would allow for us to provide temporary housing while a proper course of action, projects are taking place. I would like to work with all levels of government to address the inaction of parties involved with LeBreton Flats and work to break ground on ACTUAL affordable housing. Housing should not have to cost low-income families most if not all they have.

The money we are looking to invest comes from cutting corporate welfare, which presently represents nearly $5 billion in savings. This can go towards housing and healthcare. Housing, specifically, affordable housing for families and veterans is very important to me. I have had the opportunity to meet with people of all backgrounds living on the streets, moving from temporary housing to housing, and this is no way to treat Canadians, let alone keep the government promise of helping the most vulnerable. Addressing the affordability housing and creating more homes and a plan to address this means that we are one step closer to helping them become helpful in society. Without a roof over one’s head, how can they feel safe, secure or even think about anything else – affordable housing is a priority for me and I know we, I can make it happen within four years. Sometimes, we need to think outside the box, and our present government is not thinking outside the box, let alone keeping their promise to help the very people they claim to help.

A2 – To ensure families and veterans do not fall into homelessness, we would create a program/system that ensures proper funding and support. This does not have to result in increasing taxes to already struggling and hardworking Canadians, this can come from cuts to Corporate Welfare and foreign aid – both would result in nearly $10 billion in Canadian savings and revenue. This would assist provinces far and wide and allow provinces the proper funding to get ahead but also feel secure. Provinces would have the ability to ensure that families, veterans and refugees are taken care of and kept off the street. This can be done through shared housing units for single people, to co-op housing for families. I walk through the streets of Bank, Somerset and more and I see buildings vacant, lots unoccupied. Imagine investing in cots, in beds to give people a place to feel safe or comfortable.

A3 – Homelessness is sometimes a result of bad luck from job-loss, mental health and other factors that are sometimes beyond our reach. To ensure that we can mitigate if not prevent homelessness, we would work with the provinces and municipalities to see what other countries have done to help those with mental health, social and health service programs. Creating and investing in city services, such as outreach programs will allow for those experiencing homelessness to see personal and one-on-one assistance.

For those suffering from mental health issues, we would ensure that provinces are held accountable and are creating the necessary services within their health services. That they are taking the innovative route and promoting the programs and services to help those suffering from mental health. When it comes to addressing poverty, we would simplify a tax system that has been designed to punish hardworking Canadians. There would be two tax brackets. This would allow for Canadians to save more. There are ample job opportunities, and sometimes something as simple as not having the proper work boots can be a barrier – we would work with provinces and cities to help individuals wanting and seeking work be able to have access to the necessary equipment and training.

Catherine McKenna – Liberal Party of Canada – OTTAWA CENTRE

A1 – Homelessness has an impact on every community in Canada. It affects individuals, families, women fleeing violence, youth, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. In 2016, an estimated 129,000 people experienced homelessness at an emergency shelter. This is why we have committed $2.2 billion to tackle homelessness across the country. Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Yet, every day, vulnerable Canadians experience homelessness, or are at risk of becoming homeless. The Government of Canada is taking action to help those in need and make a real impact to reduce homelessness across Canada.

Our government launched the National Housing Strategy which is the largest and most ambitious federal housing program in Canadian history. Over the next decade, it will invest $55+ billion to build stronger communities and help Canadians across the country access a safe, affordable home. The goal of this historic strategy is to make sure Canadians across the country can access housing that meets their needs and that they can afford. Over the next 10 years, the Strategy will:

Cut chronic homelessness in half;
Remove 530,000 families from housing need; and
Invest in the construction of up to 125,000 new affordable homes

I am calling for a 10-year plan to address the need for more affordable housing in Ottawa Centre. I will work with all levels of government and stakeholders in the non-profit housing and private sectors to develop a plan with clear targets and timelines. Further, I am committed to ensuring:

The full spectrum of affordable housing will be part of the development at Lebreton Flats;
The reduction of red tape required for the acquisition of surplus federal lands for new affordable housing projects; and
A focus on building more affordable rental housing which experts view as key to addressing low vacancy rates and high rent.

Homelessness is a pervasive issue, which is why we launched Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. Through Reaching Home, the Government of Canada is reinforcing its existing community-based approach by delivering funding directly to municipalities and local service providers. We will also expand the program’s reach to up to six new communities through an open and transparent process which is currently underway. Homelessness is not experienced the same way for all Canadians. This is why we created specific programs to address Indigenous homelessness and homelessness in rural and remote areas.

A2 – Every Canadian deserves a real and fair chance to succeed. Having a fair chance also means having a fair opportunity to housing. This is why our government created the Canada Housing Benefit. Launching in 2020, the CHB will provide an average of $2,500 towards rent to Canadians in housing need. Designed to meet local needs and delivered by provinces and territories, the CHB will be a new tool to fight the challenge of housing affordability. As part of the National Housing Strategy, the CHB is expected to help 300,000 families for whom housing affordability is a challenge.

To help more people buy their first home, we will move forward with the new First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, which gives people up to 10 per cent off the purchase price of their first home. We will also increase the qualifying value to nearly $800,000 in the places where houses cost more – like the greater Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria regions. As market dynamics change in different regions, the program will be adjusted to reflect those realities. To limit the housing speculation that can drive up home prices, we will also put in place a consistent national tax on vacant residential properties owned by non-Canadians who don’t live in Canada. And we will work with interested provinces, territories and communities to establish a national approach to beneficial ownership so that law enforcement and tax authorities have the tools necessary to crack down on financial crime in the real estate sector, while respecting Canadian privacy rights. Initiatives like these support our government’s overall commitment to improve the well-being of all Canadians and strengthen the middle-class.

A3 – As Canada’s demographics change and new health care challenges emerge, federal, provincial and territorial governments must work together to innovate, adapt and improve health services to better meet the needs of Canadians and address the problem of homelessness. In Budget 2017, our government committed $11 billion over 10 years to provincial and territorial governments to support home care and mental health. This funding will help more Canadians to receive better care at home or in their community—including enhancing access to palliative care and end-of-life care, increasing support for caregivers and enhancing home care infrastructure, such as digital connectivity and facilities for community-based service delivery. It will also help expand access to community-based mental health and addiction services, particularly for children and youth. We will continue to collaborate with the provinces and territories to move forward with more accessible care, shorter wait times, and better health outcomes, and we will:

Make sure that every Canadian has access to a family doctor or primary health care team, improving the quality of care for the nearly five million Canadians who today lack access.
Set clear national standards for access to mental health services so Canadians can get the support they need quickly, when they need it most.

Our poverty reduction strategy, Opportunity for All, has produced great results, with the poverty rate in Canada falling 20% to 9.5% from 2015 to 2017. Through this strategy, we are committed to reducing poverty by 50% by 2030. The Canada Child Benefit is an important part of the poverty reduction strategy. We are committed to building on the success of Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – which gives more money every month to nine out of 10 families and helped lift 300,000 children out of poverty. We will move forward with the next steps in helping families make ends meet. We will:

Give up to $1,000 more to families to help when the costs of raising kids are highest, by boosting the CCB by 15 per cent for children under the age of one;
Make sure families get more money right away, by making maternity and parental benefits tax- free; and
Make paid leave fairer for families, by introducing a 15-week leave for adoptive parents – including LGBTQ2 families – so they get the same benefits to help care for their kids as everyone else.

We also increased the Guaranteed Income Supplement top-up by up to $947 a year for the most vulnerable single seniors, which has improved the lives of 900,000 seniors. We are committing to helping seniors as they age by increasing Old Age Security by 10% at age 75. Over the last four years, our government has raised over 900,000 people out of poverty. But we know there is more work to be done to ensure that we hit our target of reducing poverty in Canada by 50% from 2015 levels by 2030 – this is an effort that will have real impact on the lives of the most vulnerable Canadians.

Kevin Hua – New Democratic Party of Canada – Carleton

A1 -Yes, the NDP has committed to investing in the construction of 500,000 units of affordable housing and we further intend to waive the federal GST on affordable housing construction to better invigorate the construction of such units. We’ll also combat money laundering and speculation which buy up housing stock whilst leaving the homes empty and unused. And finally, implement regulations on AirBnB, who have been notorious in moving vital housing from the long-term rental market to the short-term rental market, driving up the price of long-term rental housing.

A2 – Yes, we have committed to re-introducing 30-year terms to CMHC insured mortgages on entry-level homes so Canadians can pay in smaller monthly payments and doubling the Home Buyer’s Tax Credit to $1500. We recognize that housing is a human right that no Canadian should be exempted from it.

A3 – To address homelessness, you have to address not only the need for homes, but also the social determinants of homelessness such as poverty, mental illness, and other factors. How will your party work with municipalities to support urgently needed funds for affordable housing, and also address the underlying causes of homelessness.

While we must bring short-term solutions to address the current housing crisis, we must as well plan long-term solutions and attack the root of the problem to ensure we do not lose the progress made. The NDP has committed to further investments into mental health to secure greater access to Canadians and to fight the stigma surrounding it. We have also committed to the principles of harm reduction in fighting substance addiction, particularly the opioid crisis in which Big Pharma needs to be held responsible by their abuses. I’ve also committed to ensuring income security whether that be through an increase in the minimum wage, pension security from corporations, or cutting the cost of living. As for working with municipalities, one of the problem is they struggle to secure revenue to fund the many needs of their municipalities, so we’ve already committed to double the gas tax transfer to municipalities to help them fund many projects including affordable housing and combatting the roots of homelessness.

John’s Prayer of Thanksgiving

John has been coming to The Ottawa Mission for lunch every day for almost 20 years and is considered a member of our extended family. He has a very limited income and often has no money for food after paying his rent. And, like so many others in the same situation, he knows where to go for a good meal and fellowship.

Back in 2016 we were able to help John in a different way when he was faced with a rent increase that he simply could not afford and suddenly lost his apartment. Because he had nowhere else to turn, he came to us. He knew we would not let him down. We provided John with a room right away and connected him with a member of our Housing Support staff who helped him find safe and affordable housing. He was able to move out of The Mission after a short stay, but he continues to come to us for meals because he needs to. He is a familiar face at our table and a bright light to other clients and staff.

John is just one of an ever-growing number of people who rely on The Mission because they simply have no other source of support. And, John is just one of the thousands of reasons why

we rely on your faithful support – at Thanksgiving and all year round. We are so grateful for your generosity. And John says thank you – every day, without fail.

Eric – A Proud and Hopeful New Canadian

Eric is a well-educated man, an entrepreneur, and a former professional soccer player who moved to Canada from Cameroon over a decade ago. He wanted to make a new life for himself free from political oppression, and for a while things were going very well. Eric had worked hard, and his business was growing. Then he suffered a serious financial downturn that he felt was out of his control, and found himself without a home and with nowhere to turn.

Eric was in crisis and suffering from depression when he came to The Ottawa Mission. He was isolated and felt he could no longer trust anyone, but he had a warm bed, healthy food, and he knew that help was available if he chose to take advantage of it. Eventually, as he slowly began trusting and accepting support from mental health outreach worker Robyn (via The Mission’s partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association), Eric decided to enter a local hospital where he received the care and treatment that he needed to get back on track.

Eric continued to receive intensive case management services from Robyn and additional support at The Mission – from finding safe and affordable housing, to reconnecting to family, to navigating through immigration and identification issues – and he is now living in his own place and rebuilding his life and his business, one step at a time.

This year, Eric stood tall at a special ceremony in Ottawa, with Robyn at his side (see photo), and became a proud and hopeful Canadian citizen. And, as Eric says, “I am now once again pursuing my dream. I am so thankful.”

Doug’s Gratitude Runs Deep

At The Mission’s 21-bed Diane Morrison Hospice, the first and largest facility of its kind in Canada, we provide 24-hour care for people who are homeless or street involved and who are either chronically ill or facing the final days of their lives. Over the last year, 20 men and women passed away at the Hospice in our loving care. Because of you, we are able to provide people with crucial physical, emotional and spiritual support at every stage of their illness – as we are doing for Doug.

A housepainter by trade, Doug retired a few years ago, but he remains enthusiastic about his former career – and highly recommends “Eggshell” as his paint finish (not colour!) of choice.

Doug was transferred to our Hospice from a local hospital 14 months ago. He came to us because he had no family in Ottawa, couldn’t look after himself, and had nowhere else to go. He uses the word “extraordinary” to describe the nursing staff and volunteers, and appreciates the cleanliness of the place and the food. He also enjoys the freedom he has to go outside when he feels like it – when he’s not immersed in reading the latest suspense novel. He describes Dr. Douglas – who visits him at the Hospice regularly – as “young, but he knows what he’s doing!” Doug has also met a few friends who have been staying at the shelter who take him in his wheelchair around the neighbourhood if the weather is nice, and he appreciates their kindness as well.

People like Doug are cared for with compassion and dignity because of your support, and for that, Doug is deeply grateful.

John Is All Geared Up – And Ready To Go!

John spent most of his life working in the construction industry, until things unravelled for him under the burden of addiction. He first stayed at The Ottawa Mission more than 10 years ago, but it is his most recent time with us that has made all the difference.

Over the past couple of years John has worked hard on maintaining his sobriety. He faithfully attends our Day Program – a group session held every weekday in The Mission’s chapel – and until he recently moved out of The Mission, he was staying in the Hope Program wing, an area of the shelter set aside for Day Program participants

The other big change John has made is to upgrade his “tickets” in a number of construction workplace safety areas including forklift operation, working at heights and in confined spaces, working with asbestos, and WHMIS. He accomplished all this by taking courses at Labor Tek which we were able to pay for thanks to you, and then he worked with our Education & Employment staff to update his resume. We also helped him access affordable furniture and appliances for his move into his apartment. John has even benefitted from our dental clinic where he was fitted with a partial plate. And the icing on the cake is that we were also able to outfit John with all the gear he needs to get back on the job – boots, gloves, safety goggles and vest – so he’s set to go!

John has come to know a lot of the staff at The Mission during his time with us, and having stayed in a few other shelters, says The Mission is the best. Besides being clean and well-organized, he praises the people he has worked with for being professional and caring, and for always being thereto help him move forward to a better life. John is actively seeking employment and living in his own place – and he couldn’t be happier, or more thankful!