Jack Layton calls for housing strategy during visit to Greater Sudbury

BY KEITH LACEY

Federal NDP leader Jack Layton said he and his political party will push hard to reintroduce a national housing strategy.

During a day-long visit to Greater Sudbury Saturday, Layton said the problems with homelessness in this community and across the country are directly related to the federal government cutting funding to build more affordable housing units.

"It's just not right that hundreds of thousands of Canadians can't find affordable housing and are forced to live on the streets," said Layton.

As part of his tour, Layton visited the local Finlandia Koti seniors' residence, spent some time with newly-elected Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez, met with the local Coalition Regarding Homelessness and  then held a press conference Saturday afternoon at the Steelworkers Hall.

Some Canadians who work at low-paying or minimum wage jobs are also becoming homeless or close to it and providing more affordable housing is the only way to remedy what is becoming a crisis situation, said Layton.

"These people have no money left over to buy food, never mind to get around or pay for the other necessities of life," he said.

During his meeting with Rodriguez, Layton said the subject of poverty and homelessness was front and centre.

Rodriguez, a former longtime Nickel Belt MP, agreed reintroducing a national affordable housing strategy is needed and Layton promised he and his federal party members in the House of Commons will make this a priority when parliament resumes in a couple of weeks.

"We'll be calling on all our members to push for a national housing program," said Layton. "I can tell you the NDP is very committed to this."

The NDP still has influence in setting national policy, said Layton, noting his party convinced the federal Tory government to eliminate $4.5 billion in proposed tax cuts last year, forcing them to turn that money over to municipalities to pay for such services as transit and assisting First Nations communities.

Layton said it's "very sad" when seniors' homes like Finlandia Koti can't accept more residents because they don't have the necessary funding.

Seniors are responsible for building this country and those who need care and comfort in terrific residences like Finlandia Koti should not be turned away because of money, he said.

The NDP will continue to push for programs that assist those who need help the most, said Layton.

"We're here to take responsibility as Canadians for those who need our help...there's no time to waste," he said.

He will personally head the charge to ensure legislation that assists the poor and downtrodden is brought before the House of Commons and his party will try everything in its power to enact legislation that assists the most needy people in Canada, he said.