No. 13: Affordability concerns us all
One reason “axe the tax” is gaining traction. Financialization of housing. And solidarity with Palestine.
Happy Friday dear neighbours,
I do consider you all virtual neighbours, part of this online community we’ve curated for ourselves. I hope you’re doing well in these difficult times.
It’a been a hectic last few months, with a lot more work travel than I expected. I can now say I’ve been to Moose Jaw! Someone told me today that Saskatchewan is the only province they haven’t been to; I guess I’ve hit them all now except for PEI.
Most recently, I was in Halifax for the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness conference. More than anything, it feels momentous to be in a room with 1500+ people dedicated to ending homelessness. One thing I found particularly striking is how much this has shot up to being top of mind for young people. This survey from Abacus Data shows how the housing crisis in impacting many aspects of people’s quality of life.
The Atlantic provinces have also been part of the national discourse on home heating and carbon pricing lately — we will analyze this federal policy decision below.
Before I dive into the substance, I’d like to share a shout-out to my friend Jesse, who asked me to be a contestant in his very elaborate version of Taskmaster. Originally, Taskmaster is a British reality show where comedians get judged on their ability to complete absurd tasks. One episode I watched asked comedians to convince a teenager that they were “cool”. While no teens were involved in our production and I can’t spoil what tasks I participated in, I did make it through the five hours of filming on Sunday. Maybe one day I’ll share the video when it’s live. Either way, give the show a watch — we all probably could use a laugh.
TORONTO
activism, politics, whatever else
Since I only get around to publishing one of these every few months, some big things have happened. In Toronto, we’re already settled into having new Mayor Olivia Chow leading the charge — notably on housing.
For example, City Council just approved a more ambitious, updated HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan. Most notably, the targets have increased from 40,000 to 65,000 rent-controlled homes by 2030. A long time supporter of co-ops (and now in my professional capacity at CHF Canada), it is great to see the City sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Co-op Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT) to find opportunities to create new co-op homes.
Toronto also hosted the inaugural Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts’ summit in October. It was very motivating to see how grassroots groups were working together to preserve affordable housing, often from Indigenous and racialized community-led perspectives.
HOUSING & CLIMATE JUSTICE
the intersection of everything
One major point of contention in climate policy decisions right now is the temporary suspension of the carbon tax on home heating oil, which predominantly benefits the Atlantic Provinces. Given that there have long been calls from the Conservative Party leader and various provincial governments, this has become the foot in the door to fight for additional carve-outs on the price on pollution, and to ultimately “axe the tax”. This is extremely frustrating, given that I do believe that we need ambitious climate action and it feels like a step backwards to walk it back. However, here’s what we need to think through. If we from the design and onset understood the NEED for both low-carbon and equitable solutions, this whole conversation could have been avoided. I don’t blame ordinary folks who feel like their bills are too high and that they can’t afford the cost of living to look at their utilities - and ask their governments what could be done. This is why things like low-income energy efficiency programs are so critical, which can help to save money and conserve energy. Without the prioritization of solutions that meet average people’s needs, there will be a resentment towards climate solutions feeling unattainable and out-of-touch. What do you think? Will the Liberals feel the pressure and weaken carbon pricing even more? Will this still be a big federal election issue?
This new Affordability Action Council gives me some hope that the policy discourse is changing. It launched earlier this week with some friendly faces in the climate and infrastructure space (e.g. TTCriders, Environmental Defence). It’s great to see that the first two policy briefs they’ve published are on low-income energy efficiency and federal action on affordable housing.
While I do want to keep some separation between my work and my writing here, I wanted to note that there has been more attention given to the financialization of housing nationally. Whether or not it will change anything about how our housing system works to maximize profit, that remains to be seen. The Federal HUMA committee tabled a report on the Financialization of Housing (full report here) which makes recommendations on how to reduce this phenomenon and improve the situation regarding the lack of affordable housing. For example, recommendation 1 below speaks to an acquisition fund — which was promoted heavily by the non-profit and co-op housing sectors, as well as very prominently discussed at the Community Land Trust Summit.
Recommendation 1:
That the Government of Canada, as soon as possible and in partnership and cooperation with the provinces and territories, develop an acquisition fund to be made available to non-profit and cooperative housing organizations and governments to preserve and expand affordable housing stock.
Finally, I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t use this platform (every platform) to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. #FreePalestine.
Over 50 towns and cities across Canada held ‘Ceasefire NOW!’ rallies, protests, and actions this past Sunday as part of a pan-Canadian day of action. These are the following demands by the Ceasefire NOW campaign, an ad-hoc coalition of almost 300 humanitarian, faith, labour, and civil society organizations from coast to coast:
Call for an immediate ceasefire in Israel-Palestine
Call for an end to the blockade of Gaza and for the restoration of humanitarian aid and access to the basic necessities of life
You can also sign this petition to the federal government asking for a ceasefire. And if you can, show up to actions and rallies — there’s usually one most weekends lately.
Trying to fight off the inevitable seasonal depression by soaking in the sun wherever possible,
Diana
PS: I’m going to Cuba at the end of the month to ward off this aforementioned seasonal depression, so please send me recommendations if you have them.
If you will be in Havana-you must go to the Fabrica!! it's an awesome space and club!!!!