PETER GOLDRING SPEAKS OUT ON AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING

June 18, 2007

OTTAWA — Peter Goldring, Member of Parliament for Edmonton East, rose in the House of Commons today to bring attention to the difficulties facing the private sector rental industry.

Mr. Goldring’s statement in the House of Commons, which now forms part of the permanent Hansard record, is as follows:

“Mr. Speaker: In Edmonton, Mayor Mandel says the number one concern for the city is affordable housing. For Alberta, Premier Stelmach said the same.

While much has been done by this government to improve shelters and non-profit housing, the private sector rental industry remains in crisis.

Over the last thirty years across Canada the newly built private sector rental housing numbers have fallen from ninety per cent of new construction of multiple housing units to less than ten per cent, not even beginning to meet market demand.

In over heated markets the remaining stock of rental units are being splashed with paint and sold as condos at several times the cost of even four years ago.

What caused this collapse of a once viable rental industry?

The cities, the provinces and Ottawa must work together to determine the cause and to find solutions.

We owe it to all to help.”