Green Party Community and Social Services Critic calls for Ontario Shelter Strategy

Media Release
For Immediate Release

Green Party Community and Social Services Critic calls for Ontario Shelter Strategy

OTTAWA – Ontario needs laws that ensure public consultation and accountability for shelters and drop-in centres. This is clear from community frustration in Sandy Hill over Centre 454 relocating back into the neighbourhood.

“Thankfully our churches have stepped up to help those in need. They do important and necessary work in our communities,” says Green Party candidate Dave Bagler, “but there isn’t a proper process for consultation with communities for church-run centres. The Ontario government can’t shirk their responsibility to bring all parties to the table.”

Along with being the Community and Social Services Critic Dave Bagler is the candidate for Ottawa–Vanier and a resident of Sandy Hill.

The lack of a legislative framework results in churches having a difficult time easing fears in the community, and residents who have legitimate concerns are left without an official path to address them.

The Green Party is calling on the government to create a strategy to improve much needed services to those at risk by developing a legislative framework that meets the needs of both shelters and their neighbours.

“This not simply a case of NIMBY,” says Mr. Bagler. “The residents of Sandy Hill have legitimate concerns, they don’t deserve to be dismissed or demeaned. The Honourable Madeleine Meilleur’s silence on this situation both as the local MPP and the Minister of Community and Social Services is disappointing.”

Our shelters need community support and there needs to be a system of consultation and accountability that protects both shelters and the neighbourhoods where they are located. It’s time for real leadership on a shelter strategy.

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For more information:
Dave Bagler,
Ottawa-Vanier Green Party candidate,
Community and Social Services Critic
davebagler@gpo.ca
613-298-3577
www.davebagler.ca