New Vancouver mayor unveils team to tackle homeless problem

Vancouver's new mayor has moved quickly to act on his biggest election promise, appointing a new committee to  tackle the homeless problem.

One day after being sworn in, Gregor Robertson announced the creation of the Homeless Emergency Action Team to help people get off the streets and into safe accommodation.

Among the 13 members of HEAT are Robertson himself, Vancouver police Chief Jim Chu, the city's chief medical officer Dr. Patricia Daly and David Eby of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.

Ending homelessness is the most important priority of council, and that goal will be achieved in three stages, with the first focusing on more shelter beds and outreach services, Robertson said.

"I've had several conversations with Housing Minister Rich Coleman, and he's made it clear that if the city provides the land and buildings, the province is willing to provide funding for the operational side of those shelters," the mayor said.

The second stage of his plan will see the city using its bylaws to protect existing affordable rental housing and ensuring treatment is available for people with addictions and mental health issues, he said.

The third stage is the construction of new affordable housing, which he calls the only long-term solution.