NDP critical of Liberal plan to sell off Crown land, assets
St. John's Centre NDP candidate Gerry Rogers says the Liberal plan to sell off surplus public buildings and land will crush any hopes of a provincial housing strategy.
"The housing crisis is affecting people right across the whole province and we do have assets that can be used so it's time, it's time to bring those assets... to a table of problem solvers to come up with solutions," said Rogers.
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This is short-sighted; it is irresponsible.- Gerry Rogers
Rogers used the former I.J. Samson school as an example of a property that could be suitable for affordable housing.
The building is currently up for sale.
"We do know there are at least 18 closed school buildings across the province, some that have been vacant for years and these assets belong to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Rogers.
"To date, neither Liberal nor previous PC governments have ever established an overall strategy for the province."
Plan needed
Rogers added that the housing crisis is growing. She said by 2026, 33 per cent of the population will be 60 years-of-age and older and will only increase the strain on a system already in crisis.
She said the Liberals plan to sell off buildings and land, raising $50 million a year.
With the federal government's announcement of a national housing strategy, Rogers said now is not the time to sell.
"Without a plan and without a strategy there'll be no getting back the assets that belong to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Rogers.
"This is short-sighted; it is irresponsible."
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