DONNELLY CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS

“We need a national housing strategy,” says NDP by-election candidate

NEW WESTMINSTER - COQUITLAM – Fighting homelessness will be a key issue in the New Westminster-Coquitlam by-election, NDP candidate Fin Donnelly said during National Homelessness Awareness Week.

“Homelessness is getting worse every year, and the Conservative government is doing absolutely nothing while the crisis deepens,” said Donnelly. “As a Member of Parliament I will make it a top priority to establish a national housing strategy.”

Donnelly attended various activities to mark National Homelessness Week, and said he was greatly encouraged by the community’s determination to find solutions.

“Since 2005 homelessness has nearly tripled in the Tri-cities and more than doubled in New Westminster,” said Donnelly. “But the Conservative government continues to ignore this crisis, and Canada remains the only industrialized country that doesn’t have a national housing strategy.

As a Coquitlam city councillor, Donnelly was instrumental in bringing the city’s Affordable Housing Strategy up to date and lobbying for a social planner.

“I’m proud of my work to promote affordable housing in our community, but the reality is that cities cannot fight this problem on their own,” said Donnelly. “It’s crucial for the federal government to join the fight against homelessness.”

This week, Donnelly visited with Shiloh 6th United staff and toured the hospitality project, attended a presentation on homelessness at the Calvary Baptist Church on Tuesday and will attend the New Westminster Homelessness Coalition fundraiser on Saturday evening.

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For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Brynn Bourke (Fin Donnelly Campaign) at 604-526-3346