The MPP for Windsor-West is calling out the Ontario government over a lack of funding for homelessness services.
Lisa Gretzky says the Liberals put up $200-million for programming across the province, but opted not to send Windsor-Essex any money.
Gretzky addressed Queen's Park during question period Wednesday, stating that local agencies are in desperate need. "Our community support services will not receive one cent. I recently visited our Downtown Mission, Victoria Manor and the Welcome Centre for Women and Families in Windsor. It’s clear that they, along with other community organizations, are stretched thin and in desperate need of resources."
"It's getting harder and harder for families to get by," says Gretzky. "I understand that many cities in Ontario applied for this funding because, just like in Windsor, families across this province are struggling too. Under this Liberal government hydro bills have gone up 300%. Municipalities like Windsor have fewer and fewer resources for homelessness prevention."
Gretzky also said "Windsor's community supports for our most vulnerable are operating well over capacity, and yet, this Liberal government denied them the funding they desperately need, this, while spending $5.5-million on advertising. When will the Premier get her priorities straight and support Windsor families in need?)
Gretzky says recent data from Statistics Canada shows Windsor topping the list across the country for children growing up in low-income households, meaning more families are being forced to access community support services.