Dear Editor:
Re: Our View: C’mon Burnaby, make the first move (July 23), Election means voters hold sway on housing (July 28), Governments need to work together on housing (July 28).
The upcoming federal election provides an opportunity for candidates across many parties to put their names forward to represent the issues that matter to Burnaby citizens.
Safe and affordable housing is a crucial issue, which impacts Burnaby citizens at the core of our existence.
Many Burnaby citizens are: living in unsafe housing, unable to afford their rent, fearful of losing their housing, unable to find affordable housing and striving to live respectful lives without any housing at all.
The Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness recognizes the role/mandate of each level of government.
We believe that viable solutions for all Burnaby citizens to have safe and affordable housing are achievable only through collaboration and full commitment from all levels of government.
Over the course of the next month, the Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness, a non-partisan coalition, will request to meet privately with each Burnaby federal candidate to discuss the issues of safe, affordable housing for Burnaby citizens and the need for a national housing strategy.
As in previous federal elections a housing questionnaire and the candidate responses will be posted on the task force website www.burnabyhomelesstaskforce.org.
Access to safe affordable housing – this is a vital and yet solvable issue.
Wanda Mulholland, community development coordinator, on behalf of the Burnaby Task Force On Homelessness
