The Community Development Corporations (CDC) of Montérégie-Ouest jointly express their deep disappointment with the recent economic update from the Legault government, which, according to the group, neglects the urgent needs of vulnerable populations and community organizations in the region .
This fall, the CDC actively participated in the national campaign “Quebec is KO”initiated by the National Table of Community Development Corporations (TNCDC), aimed at raising government awareness of the issues of poverty and social exclusion. Despite these concerted efforts, the measures announced remain largely insufficient, believes the organization
“With so few concrete commitments from Minister Girard, Quebec will remain KO as long as the government has not significantly increased its funding in the fight against poverty and social exclusion,” said Marie-Line Audet, general director of the TNCDC.
Concretely, the organization asks:
– the establishment of direct support programs for people living below the poverty line, including increases in social assistance benefits corresponding at least to the amount of the consumption basket measure;
– access to decent, truly affordable housing outside the speculative market for people experiencing poverty and social exclusion throughout Quebec;
– recurring and sufficient funding for community organizations to enable them to effectively support vulnerable populations.
Social assistance: a losing battle?
For the CDC, the absence of major improvements in social assistance benefits “keeps those involved down.” “With an average annual social assistance of $14,701, recipients are unable to recover in the face of inflation and precariousness,” denounces the CDC.
Accommodation: left on the ropes
Despite the announcement of an acceleration of construction projects, no investment in new social or community housing has been made. However, according to the corporations, 10,000 additional units were needed to respond to the current crisis.
“By not supporting community organizations and allowing the housing crisis and distress to worsen, the government is putting Vaudreuil-Soulanges on the ropes. This is a setback for our communities,” deplores Sébastien Legros, general director of the CDC Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
Community organizations: abandoned in the ring
Finally, the CDC de la Montérégie-Ouest reports that no additional funding has been allocated to the overall mission of community organizations, despite dire needs estimated at $2.6 billion.
“Beauharnois-Salaberry organizations are working hard to meet needs, but they are running out of steam. The lack of adequate funding only makes the situation worse and it is the most vulnerable people who pay the price by not having adequate housing or bread on their table.”concludes Édith Gariépy, general director of the CDC Beauharnois-Salaberry.
To learn more about the demands of the Quebec CDC: https://www.tncdc.com/le-quebec-est-ko/
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“It’s time to move from a KO Quebec to an OK Quebec” – Sébastien Legros
