Kenora Online: NDP pushing the Grits on housing

Housing continues to remain a hot topic in the House of Commons.

In response to a question from the NDP, Housing Minister Sean Fraser admits the GST rebate on new builds is not enough on its own.

"We're going to continue to make investments in low cost financing to build more homes that ordinary people can actually afford. We've advanced programs in the past and will continue to  in the future to directly subsidize the kinds of homes low income people need to build."

Meanwhile theNew Democrats are pushing for an acquisition fund for the non-profit sector to stop the loss of low cost housing to profiteering.

Vancouver East MP Jenny Kwan notes the failings of previous governments have led to dire straits.

"The average rent in Canada is now over $2100 a month, in Vancouver its over $3000, time for bold action."

The Liberals say there must be an increase of availability in the market and have the government encourage the construction of both low and mid-income housing.