Opposition MPs support bill for affordable housing strategy
All of Newfoundland and Labrador's federal MPs – except Labrador MP Peter Penashue – say they support a private members' bill that calls for a national strategy for affordable housing.
The bill, introduced by an NDP MP from Quebec, calls on the federal government to work with the provinces, which are responsible for housing, to develop a national strategy.
Federal New Democrat Ryan Cleary stood up in the House of Commons recently to show his support for the bill.
"There is a housing crisis in St. John's, there's a housing crisis in Labrador, there's a housing crisis in Alberta – there's a housing crisis across Canada," he said.
"Canada is the only G8 country without a national housing strategy, which is what this bill – Bill C-400 – is all about."
All of the province's MPs, minus Penashue, have told the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network that they support the bill.
CBC News obtained an email from Penashue's press secretary, explaining why the Conservative MP won't vote in favour of it.
"Our government believes that vulnerable Canadians do not need more bureaucracy and talk like this bill suggests, they need action. As such, our government, and Minister Penashue, will not be supporting this bill," reads the statement.
Liberal MP Scott Andrews said this is unacceptable.
"Unfortunately Mr. Penashue is a speaking mouthpiece for the Harper government," he said.
"He doesn't have an independent thought of his own, and he's just speaking the government line."
The bill was recently introduced, and has already had its first reading in parliament.
But it's not expected to pass because of the Conservatives' majority government.
Opposition MPs from Newfoundland and Labrador said the issue is too important for Penashue to be taking a position along party lines.
