Housing and homelessness

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One of the most pressing issues facing social housing providers is the on-going expiration of long-term operating agreements. These subsidies, created by the federal government in the 1970s in light of the high operating costs of various housing projects, were meant to give social housing providers some breathing room while they paid the debt on their mortgages. These agreements were struck for periods between 25 and 50 years depending on each situation. Some subsidies also assisted with operating deficits.
Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are making an international comeback, to the point where a global “bed bug pandemic” is being predicted.The City of Winnipeg has not been exempted from this scourge, with one local extermination company reporting 2,800 bed bug calls in 2010, compared with only a handful of calls in the previous six years.
Inside this issue: Unpacking the Housing Numbers: How Much New Social Housing is BC Building? by Seth Klein and Lorraine Copas Climate Justice, Green Jobs and Sustainable Production in BC by Marc Lee and Kenneth I. Carlaw Lack of Water Data a Cause for Public Concern by Ben Parfitt Job Creation Alone Will Not Solve BC’s Poverty Problem by Iglika Ivanova Fossil Fuel Peddling Impedes BC’s Progress Toward a Green Future by Marc Lee
Little has been said by the political parties about housing in the lead up to the federal election on May 2. This is surprising, considering that approximately 1.27 million households (or 12.4 percent of Canadian households) live in housing that requires major repairs, is overcrowded, and/or costs more than 30 percent of household income. Although housing may not be top of mind according to the polls, for these Canadians, access to safe, affordable housing is an urgent necessity.
On March 10, 2011, the Standing Committee on Property and Development recommended a move of $500,000 from the Housing Rehabilitation Investment Reserve (HRIR) to the Home Renovation Tax Assistance Program, despite years of calls from housing and community organisations for increased funding to the HRIR. Although the recommendation was not passed, this move calls attention to the vulnerability of the funding intended to support housing rehabilitation and development in Winnipeg’s inner city.
OTTAWA—In a report released today by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), two prominent economists propose changes to U.S. and Canadian mortgage finance polices to prevent a future financial crisis. The report is authored by Doug Peters, former Secretary of State (Finance) and former TD Bank Chief Economist, and economic consultant Arthur Donner.
Defining the focus of the 6th State of the Inner City Report unfolded as it does every year.  We began the process by meeting with representatives from various organizations working in the inner city.  Some of our partners have participated in the State of the Inner City since we began the process in early 2005.  Others have more recently become involved.  What has been consistent each and every year is that the individuals and organizations who have contributed are deeply committed to improving the quality of life for individuals and families living and working in the inner city.  
In a recent editorial (“Aboriginal HIV Rates Disturbing”) the Winnipeg Free Press expressed concern about the rising incidence of HIV infection in, among other places, Winnipeg’s inner city. There, “social and economic conditions make people easy prey” for HIV infection. The editorial called for a “vigorous response” to these problems.