Editor's note: Ms. LeGresley writes this as an open letter.
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Dear Victor Fedeli, Justin Trudeau, and Doug Ford.
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the ongoing housing crisis in Canada, particularly in Ontario, with a focus on North Bay. The current situation, where individuals are charged $900 per month for a single room rental, is unacceptable and requires immediate intervention from our government.
As a concerned citizen, I am deeply troubled by the fact that while thousands of Canadians struggle to afford basic housing, the government continues to allocate significant funds to initiatives that are not essential in today's economy. Whether it be unnecessary infrastructure projects, an unnecessary arena, another lucrative highway that will eventually be sold outside of Canada, or other nonessential expenditures or lining of your colleague’s pockets, every dollar misspent is a missed opportunity to address the housing crisis and save lives. It is negligent.
Also, it is essential to recognize the responsibility of government officials in addressing this crisis. While many Canadians struggle to afford basic housing, it is disheartening to note the substantial salaries and benefits enjoyed by government officials. The gross amounts of money allocated to government officials' salaries stand in stark contrast to the financial hardships faced by ordinary citizens. Despite the urgency of the housing crisis, we continue to witness the tragic deaths of Canadians due to exposure, lack of shelter, and inadequate housing conditions.
It is unreasonable that in a country as wealthy as Canada, individuals are dying on the streets because they cannot afford a place to call home. This is a gross failure of our government to fulfill its duty to protect the most vulnerable members of society. I urge the government to reassess its spending priorities and reallocate resources towards initiatives that directly address the housing crisis in Canada. This includes investing in the construction of affordable housing units, providing financial assistance to low-income families and individuals, and implementing effective policies to regulate the rental market and prevent price gouging.
Additionally, it is imperative that the government takes immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of all Canadians by providing immediate support to those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. This MUST include expanding access to emergency shelters, mental health services, affordable food and other essential supports to prevent further loss of life.
In conclusion, I beg you to recognize the urgency of the housing crisis and take decisive action to address it. Lives are at stake, and every day of inaction only intensifies the suffering of those in need. It is time for our government to prioritize the basic human right to housing and allocate resources accordingly.
I trust that you will act swiftly and decisively to address the housing crisis and prevent further loss of life in our communities. We deserve a response.
Sincerely,
Natalie LeGresley
North Bay
