Norm Macdonald MLA Columbia River – Revelstoke
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
March 20th, 2008
Opposition Critic for homelessness visits area; calls on Minister Coleman to become part of the solution for resort communities
As part of his province-wide homelessness consultation, David Chudnovsky joined Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald for a visit to Revelstoke this week.
The Vancouver – Kensington MLA and Critic for homelessness and mental health is working to accurately count the number of homeless in British Columbia, and to meet with people who are homeless and hear their stories
“Homelessness is an issue throughout the province, not just in Vancouver and Victoria,” declared Chudnovsky. “Especially in resort communities where skyrocketing property values are eliminating low-cost housing options, more and more people are without shelter.”
Chudnovsky has visited communities throughout the interior including Nelson, Castlegar, Trail and Cranbrook. Comments on each of his community visits can be found at www.bchomelessness.blogspot.com.
Macdonald has been working with community members to address the attainable housing and homelessness issues throughout his constituency.
“The housing issue is actually not that complicated to solve,” stated Macdonald. “At present, it is really only municipal governments that are taking steps to address the problem when what is really needed is a federal and a provincial government with the political will.
“It is clear that we can not continue as we are; that our communities are being diminished by the housing crisis. The province has a large surplus that could have been spent on attainable housing, but that is not the priority of this government.”
Chudnovsky urged those he met with in Revelstoke to talk directly to the Minister’s office.
“The only way to get politicians to respond is to speak out,” continued Macdonald. “If you think that the province should take responsibility for solving the housing issue, call the Minister responsible for Housing. Rich Coleman needs to know that British Columbians are demanding solutions to this crisis.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Joy Orr, 1 (866) 870 – 4188/(250) 344 - 4816, joy.orr@leg.bc.ca
BACKGROUNDER:
Hon. Rich Coleman
Minster responsible for Housing
250 387 – 6240
Finding our Way Home: A consultation on the Homelessness Crisis in BC
www.bchomelessness.blogspot.com
Facebook group: End Homelessness: BC Needs Affordable Housing Now