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Halton pushes for better federal plan and funding for social housing Halton Region is calling for more action on affordable housing in the wake of this week's federal budget. Halton Region Chair Gary Carr stated Wednesday in a press release, the Region will work with Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) on a long-term plan to address the growing housing crisis facing Halton. He argued the 2014 federal budget missed the mark on the issue. "While there were some encouraging words about homelessness and affordable housing in the budget, it failed to spell out the specific steps that need to be taken if we are to achieve real, measurable improvements here in Halton," stated Carr. "Housing is a joint responsibility and the federal government must come forward with longterm funding commitments to create real and affordable housing solutions." Carr said Halton Region invests $26 million annually to provide assisted-housing options for low-income residents. Since 2006, the Region has invested $19 million in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and has built 265 new housing units in the community. Carr said the problem is some significant financial commitments are set to end in 2015 and without a long-term plan and leadership by the federal government, up to one-third of the country's social housing units -- home to more than 500,000 Canadians -- could be lost. Halton is not the only area complaining. In a press release issued Tuesday, FCM President Claude Dauphin also slammed the federal budget on its commitment to social housing. "Municipalities were looking to today's budget to see real measures to address the growing housing crisis facing Canada's families, communities, and economy. Unfortunately , budget 2014 fell short of that goal, failing to include any targets, timelines or a commitment to a long-term housing plan," he said. "A total of $1.5 billion for social housing will be lost over the next five years as a result of expiring federal investments." Clark Somerville, Halton's board member on FCM, recently met with the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance during the FCM advocacy days, and asked about a long-term commitment of housing dollars. "Communities across the country need federal and provincial partners who are committed to working with us." Carr said Halton will push federal and provincial governments to reveal specific steps and a timeline to address the housing crunch. He has asked for a meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing at the upcoming Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA)/ Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference later this month. 5 | Friday, February 14, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com advertorial 7 things to know before putting your home for sale A STEP BEYOND IN CARE DO YOU HAVE: Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com MONDAY FEBRUARY 17th, 2014 - PREVIEW FROM 1 to 2 P.M. AUCTION AT 2 P.M. 10.00ct Ceylon Natural Blue Sapphire PUBLIC AUCTION INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca AIRPORT SEIZED JEWELLERY VALUABLE JEWELLERY SEIZED BY CUSTOMS AT CANADIAN AIRPORTS. IMPORTATION DUTIES AND TAXES PAID. RELEASED FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLIC AUCTION PROCEEDINGS. SUPPLEMENTED WITH BARS/COINS BEING SOLD ON BEHALF OF BANKS AND OTHER CREDITORS RARE SWISS MADE WATCHES, GOLD AND SILVER ROLEX - CARTIER - PIAGET - OMEGA CHOPARD - BREITLING - IWC - PATEK PHILIPPE CANADIAN BANKS ISSUED GOLD AND SILVER COINS AND BARS HOLIDAY INN BRONTE - OAKVILLE 2525 WYECROFT RAOAD (For directions: 905-847-1000) All sales are final. No refund exchange or layaway. Payments: Visa, M.C., Debit, Cash and Certified Cheques. Some reserves may apply. Sale subject to additions, deletions, errors and omissions. 15% buyers premium & applicable taxes to be added. Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law COOPER STERLING AUCTIONS. 416-800-1876