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By voting in favour of Bill C-400, MPs can send a clear message: Canada's housing crisis is worth a discussion and working together to end homelessness is the right thing to do.
Ottawa (27 Feb. 2013) - Today, Bill-C400, which calls for federal leadership in developing a national housing strategy, will be voted on at second reading. If passed, the bill will be sent to committee for all-party review, debate and discussion. If it is defeated, Canada will remain one of the only developed countries in the world without a national commitment or strategy to address homelessness and inadequate housing.
By voting in favour of Bill C-400, Members of Parliament (MPs) can send a clear message: Canada's housing crisis is worth a discussion and working together to end homelessness is the right thing to do.
Individuals and organizations across the country have urged MPs from every political party, to support this critically important bill. To date, all parties have committed to send it to committee for further discussion, except the Conservative Party of Canada.
Civil society groups are urging Conservative members to join in this non-partisan commitment to address the suffering and serious health consequences that homelessness and inadequate housing are causing to the most vulnerable households - particularly Aboriginal peoples, families with children, persons with disabilities, young people and the elderly.
Homelessness is a problem that we need to work together to solve, and Bill C-400 is the important first step.
Groups who have supported Bill C-400 represent millions of Canadians. They include the Anglican Church of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, Calgary Homeless Foundation, Campaign 2000, Canada Without Poverty, the Canadian Association of Social Workers, Canadian Council of Churches, Canadian Housing and Renewal Association, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, Canadian Federation of University Women, Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Religious Conference, the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Canadian Unitarian Council, Citizens for Public Justice, Community Health Nurses of Canada, Council of Canadians with Disabilities, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), the United Church of Canada, the Wellesley Institute and YWCA of Canada.
If you think ending homelessness should be a priority in Canada, we urge you to add your voice in support of Bill C-400. Tell your MP to support this important bill. Voting "yes" means MPs are listening to their constituents and willing to work across party lines.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE