Supporters launch tour across Quebec to demand more public housing – Montreal

As some protesters gathered outside Prime Minister Francois Legault’s office on Sunday, Quebec’s plan to distribute up to $600 to households this fall won’t help some people pay their rent. .

“One check could save people a week or a month from going to the food bank, but after that, they’re still short of money,” said Véronique Laflamme, spokesperson for the housing rights group. ” he claimed. Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU).

The money, which the government claims will help Quebec citizens ease the burden of inflation, will cost the state more than $3 million, and the cash demonstrators pointed out will be used for public housing. There is a possibility that it will be

The state has promised to invest in public housing in recent months, but protesters say they need more and the government should start now.

“That means building at least 50,000 units (social housing) over the next five years,” said Amy Darwish of Comité d’Action de Parc Extension (CAPE), another housing advocacy group.

They and those demonstrating are hoping the government will make that promise in a mini-budget due this fall.

That’s because, as protesters point out, many people have been waiting too long for public housing.

“There are a number of buildings that have been acquired for public housing, but the Lego government simply won’t invest in public housing, so the project cannot be developed,” Darwish told Global News.

Housing advocates have long blamed state governments for the number of such projects.

They say the state has not put enough cash into the Accès Logis program, which pools public, private, and community resources to build social and affordable housing.

“This program needs improvement,” argued Laflamme.

Tenants who participated in the protest said the situation was urgent.

“Many of us pay more than 30% of our income on rent and live in extreme poverty,” stressed Nicholas Harvest.

To highlight government strongholds, some protesters cross the state on floats built like homes.

The plan is to park in front of the Quebec Legislative Assembly in mid-February before the full state budget is presented.

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