The EFC endorses and supports this purpose. We say “church and government” because each has a unique responsibility and role to play in meeting the needs of vulnerable Canadians. These roles are so critical that the failure of either to fulfill that role and responsibility will mean that the housing and homelessness crisis in Canada will continue to worsen.
We are convinced that government, particularly the federal government, has a key role to play in leading by example in priority and in policy. The federal government is responsible for setting the tone of who we are as a country and who we are as Canadians. It is important that the federal government establish the “30,000 foot level” vision and direction for the nation, and together with the provinces and territories, agree to standards and measures for housing adequacy and availability in Canada.
We recognize that addressing poverty and homelessness in Canada is not without its challenges. There are differing beliefs about proper specific policies and initiatives. There are jurisdictional issues and partisan sensitivities. These must be overcome. It is time to get beyond these challenges.