The Girard budget appears to have driven a wedge between Quebec and the cities. Criticized by elected local officials for poor investment in social housing, the Legault government is arguing that it is doing enough to meet their needs.
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The CAQ government remained stubborn and signed the day after its budget was presented: The money is for the construction of social housing.
“We think we’ve had enough. We have to be methodical,” said metropolitan Minister of Commerce Pierre Fitzgibbon, arguing that we need to work with the City of Montreal.
Asked about criticism from local authorities, Prime Minister François Legault argued that he “needed the help of local authorities” to meet the challenge of delivery times for social housing.
“charity”
On Wednesday Mayor Valérie Plante said the government was ignoring the real estate crisis. “The amounts announced yesterday [mardi] are clearly insufficient,” she criticized, denouncing that social housing is perceived as “charity” when it affects “the real world”.
Minister for Social Solidarity and Member of Parliament for Pointe-au-Tremble, Chantal Rouleau, said: “Mrs. Plante always wants more money.”
“Everyone has their own perception. I’m talking about a billion, there’s money in there for Montreal. There are 88 million to move forward with projects that have been on the drawing board for too long,” added Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau.
MNA for Anjou-Louis-Riel, Karine Boivin Roy, also pointed out that “the City of Montreal also has a responsibility to deliver upcoming housing projects, particularly in the issuance of permits.”
However, the critics are not only from Montreal.
Bruno Marchand in Quebec also denounces the lack of specific measures for his city in terms of housing. “My outrage will come if we don’t come to give Quebec’s share of the pie,” he said.
France Bélisle in Gatineau notes that the budget is “restrained” and the Union of Quebec Municipalities (UMQ) has indicated it has remained on its appetite.
Enough money
Treasury Secretary Eric Girard indicated he is listening to the mayors’ criticisms, but reiterated that the sums are sufficient and the promised homes are being built.
“We’re excited to partner with cities,” he said, defending his new Quebec Affordable Housing (PHAQ) program, which will replace AccèsLogis.
The budget provides for 1,500 new social housing units. “3,000 units were announced for the update, 1,700 half a year earlier, so that’s 6,000 units of the new program that will be delivered,” pleaded the finance minister.
“I think it’s a great housing budget. I’m very happy with the leeway I’ve had,” said France-Élaine Duranceau, Minister for Housing.
Angry Resistance
“The government acts as if there is no real estate crisis, a crisis that everyone experiences every day, and the mayors are the first on the front line to see the consequences of this crisis,” Harroun Bouazzi criticized the solidarity. point out that this budget does not live up to expectations.
“Giving people housing is not just dignity, but once you’re housed you can start organizing yourself to work and socialize more,” added PQ Pascal Bérubé.
“Big disappointment in terms of housing… Especially the social housing crisis. We see that the budget is clearly insufficient and short-sighted,” stressed the interim leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, Marc Tanguay.
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