Politically-driven decision to ban net-new supportive housing will make our homelessness and addictions crises worse
VANCOUVER (Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Territories) - Today, Ken Sim passed his motion banning net-new supportive housing in Vancouver. Lucy Maloney, Vancouver City Council candidate, OneCity Vancouver, issued the following statement in response:
“Today, Ken Sim turned his back on our neighbours.
There are thousands of people experiencing homelessness in our city. We need much more supportive housing.
We won’t get it.
Instead, we’ll get more people on the street. We’ll get worsening mental health and addictions outcomes. People who desperately need help won’t be able to get it. Human beings who need help will be used as political bargaining chips.
And this is only the beginning.
We now know that this motion was just one part of a plan - one that involves the relocation of residents to other communities. One version of this plan singled out Indigenous people.
This violates Vancouver’s values. This is against reconciliation, against UNDRIP, against equality and against justice.
On April 5, there will be a by-election in Vancouver. We need to send progressive fighters to City Council who can stand up to Ken Sim and prevent him from doing more damage.
Because today we know it for sure: he’s not working for you.”