The recent economic update from the Legault government announced by the Minister of Finance, Éric Girard, is likely to disappoint organizations working in the community sector, in several respects, mention the Community Development Corporations (CDC) of Montérégie -West.
In a joint press release, they express their deep disappointment in the face of an update that 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.
For example, with an average annual social assistance of $14,701, recipients are unable to cope with inflation and precariousness. The update doesn’t include any major improvements, which keeps those affected in the dust.
In terms of housing, despite the announcement of an acceleration of construction projects, no investment in new social or community housing has been made. However, 10,000 additional units were needed to respond to the current crisis, we recall.
Furthermore, no additional funding has been allocated to the overall mission of community organizations, despite dire needs estimated at $2.6 billion. This lack of support compromises their ability to meet the growing needs of the population.
“With so few concrete commitments from Minister Girard, Quebec will remain KO as long as the government does not significantly increase its funding in the fight against poverty and social exclusion,” says Marie-Line Audet, general director of the TNCDC. This economic update, which perhaps pleases the rating agencies, will not take people off the streets, and the situation of many workers will remain precarious. There is NOTHING for the most vulnerable populations, they only deserve a resounding knockout. »
“This economic update provides no serious support to address major social challenges. It is the families, individuals and organizations that continue to fight alone in the ring,” adds Jhol Lefort Albert, general director of CDC Roussillon.
“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,” said Sébastien Legros, general director of the CDC Vaudreuil-Soulanges.
“Les Jardins-de-Napierville cannot continue to move forward with so few resources. Every day, families and individuals fall through the cracks of a social safety net that is crumbling due to lack of government support,” declares Philippe Jallon, director of the CDC Jardins-de-Napierville.
Rémi Pelletier, general director of the CDC Haut-Saint-Laurent adds that “The citizens of Haut-Saint-Laurent do not have the capacity to pay for the costs linked to this inaction! It is time to mobilize and fight together for a more just and equitable future. »
“Beauharnois-Salaberry organizations are working hard to meet needs, but they are running out of steam. The lack of adequate funding only worsens the situation and it is the most vulnerable people who pay the price by not having adequate housing or bread on their table,” concludes Édith Gariépy, Director General of the CDC Beauharnois-Salaberry.
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