Is lack of affordable housing an issue where you live?

The government has promised over $11 billion for a national housing strategy over 11 years. Critics say it's too little, too slow. Is lack of affordable housing an issue where you live? With host Duncan McCue.

It was the biggest ticket item in the federal budget: Canada's Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, pledged 11.2 billion dollars for a national housing fund. The money will be rolled out over the next 11 years.

But what does a national housing strategy mean in practice? And how will the money be used? How should it be used? 

We've all heard about the rising cost of buying a home. But it's much more basic than that. It's a decent roof over your head. A place to call home.

For decades municipalities across the country have been asking for help to deal with the shortage of affordable housing. 

20 per cent of renters spend more than half their income on housing. And much of the existing housing stock is in need of repair. Three quarters of the rental buildings in Canada are more than 30 years old. If you're hoping for subsidized housing get ready for a long waiting list.

What about those who have no homes? Over 200,000 Canadians experience homelessness at some point every year. Some people are sleeping in shelters or on the street. They're couch surfing or waiting unnecessarily in hospitals and other temporary accommodation.

One in 5 Indigenous people living off reserve are homeless -- or live in overcrowded, unsafe or inadequate housing.

Is lack of affordable housing a problem where you live? What would you like to see in a national housing strategy?

Should priority given to building new, affordable homes? Or should cities and municipalities focus on fixing up housing stock that's in disrepair?

Our question: Is lack of affordable housing an issue where you live?

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