FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“PATHWAYS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING”
ALL-PARTY ELECTION FORUM ON THURS SEPT 15 @ 7 PM
THE HUB @ VICTORIA PARK & EGLINTON AVE. E.
TORONTO, Sept 12, 2011 – Candidates representing Ontario’s major political parties will discuss their party platforms on affordable housing at a Scarborough public forum this Thursday.
The event, organized by Family Service Toronto, is part of International Tenants Month and is expected to help stimulate discussion on affordable housing issues in advance of the Oct. 6 provincial election.
The main purpose of the forum is to provide insight into the proposed monthly housing benefit for low-income tenants. Under the proposal, all eligible Ontarians would receive an income-tested housing benefit to assist them in meeting unaffordable rents.
The benefit has support from a coalition of organizations, including landlord and tenant associations who want to see it introduced as part of the province's affordable housing strategy.
The public forum will feature a discussion on the proposed housing benefit by a panel of policy experts followed by an opportunity for local candidates from Scarborough Southwest to respond to the proposal. Attending will be incumbent MPP and Liberal candidate Lorenzo Berardinietti, NDP candidate Bruce Budd and Green Party candidate Robin McKim. PC candidate Mike Chopowick is unable to attend.
The forum will be broadcast over the Internet. Pre-registration at http://register.leadwellinitiative.com is required.
Family Service Toronto, a United Way member agency, is one of the city’s oldest nonprofit social service organizations, touching the lives of more than 70,000 people in need each year. Through counselling, education, social action, advocacy and community development, FST services help to strengthen families and individuals and build healthier communities.
MEDIA CONTACT
Alizeh Hussain
Interim Social Reform/Ontario Campaign 2000 Coordinator
Family Service Toronto
416.595.9230 x241
alizehhu@familyservicetoronto.org
www.FamilyServiceToronto.org
www.campaign2000.ca/Ontario/housingbenefit.html
