Roberts: Federal housing funds needed to create non-market housing

Halifax -- NDP Housing Spokesperson Lisa Roberts made the following statement today regarding new federal funding for affordable housing:

“Today’s announcement leaves renters and those stuck in Nova Scotia’s housing crunch wondering when things will get better. While shovels are already in the ground across the country for new builds of cooperative and accessible housing, this announcement in Nova Scotia contains few details about how the money will be spent.

The Liberals say they’re coming up with a plan on how to spend the $197 million over 10 years. But they've invested close to $212 million in housing over the past three years with negligible results in terms of affordable units. Most provincial housing money goes to rent rebates and some has funded renovations that have resulted in fewer truly affordable apartments.

We need to hear from the Premier and the Minister that this money will be spent differently and actually provide long-term social benefit.”

-30-