Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development Gudie Hutchings spoke with us about rural affordable housing – a large problem for many in our listening area.
Housing was talked about by all parties in last fall’s election, including Hutchings’ Liberals. She says the government is looking for solutions and the time for innovation is now.
The minister says partnerships between all levels of government will be needed to improve the situation for young families, single parents, seniors, new Canadians – anyone in need of housing.
Hutchings says she will be fighting for rural housing dollars to be part of the next federal budget, likely just weeks away.
The issue is also expected to be one of the largest in the upcoming provincial elections.