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QUEEN’S PARK – Today during a statement in the Ontario Legislature Ernie Hardeman MPP for Oxford and Progressive Conservative Critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing called on the Liberal government to keep their promise on affordable housing for once. “The Liberal government has once again demonstrated that they don’t deserve the trust of the people of Ontario,” said Hardeman. “The Liberals had no problem announcing the money for affordable housing and doing the photo-op. For once the Liberals should follow through on a promise and spend the money as announced on affordable housing.” The Federal government transferred $392 million to the provincial government for affordable housing. However the Provincial government has locked the money in a trust account while they argue with the federal government over other funding they feel they are owed. The Liberal Government has been giving conflicting answers on whether they will be taking money from the affordable housing trust fund to pay for other projects. John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has admitted that he and housing providers are concerned that something could happen to the money. During the 2003 election campaign the Liberals promised to build 20,000 affordable housing units. Three years later they have reached only about 10% of that target. “The hold-up isn’t the federal government. The hold-up is the fact that the Liberal cabinet is keeping the money locked in a trust fund while they debate whether to take some of the money to use on other projects,” said Hardeman. “Are they saving the money to take another letter out of OLGC? Or to give more pay increases to their friends?” - 30 - |
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