Join Me in Creating Change

MY PLATFORM SUMMARY




AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Our city has fewer than 15, 000 social and affordable housing units, which is far below the demand.  By 2026, it is proposed we require a minimum of 2700 new affordable units built.  I propose it to be closer to 5500.  The city has committed $15.6 billion, with the federal government committing to $175 million to addressing this gap. It is reported that 50% of our senior citizens being unhoused.  Housing is a basic need.  No one should be denied this need.  I will hold them to this commitment and hold them accountable to honor these commitments in a timely manner. 


MENTAL HEALTH

Approximately 10% of our residents, aged 12 and over, report to be suffering with mood disorders.  These include depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, phobias and trauma.  Province wide self-reporting indicates a 46% increase in mental health since the pandemic, particularly a notable increase in Schizophrenia.  Main contributors are reported as being increased economic hardship, discrimination and stigma, social isolation, trauma, and substance abuse.  $17 million has been allocated by the Alberta government to address this issue and addictions, while $10 million has been announced for CASA Mental Health Services for the children and youth in our city.  I will stand committed to advocating for easier access those needing treatment to ensure well-being for all, including our senior citizens, youth and marginalized population.


ADDICTION TREATMENT AND TRANSITION

Sadly, our city has the highest opioid-related death rate in the province, with a reported 53.7 deaths per 100,000 people.  One person is too many.  Our city currently requires 1400-1700 supportive housing units with on-site addiction and mental health services.  While the Alberta government has allocated $17 million towards addressing this issue, it is shared with addressing mental health issues.  More may be needed dependent upon the needs of each individual.   I will advocate for easier access, promoting life skills and employment transition programs, trauma therapy, strengthening collaboration between private and public housing initiatives, health services and community organizations to ensure smooth streamlining to services.  I will commit to  advocate for multi-year funding commitments from provincial and federal governments to reduce "contract funding fatigue" and the long-term sustainability of these programs.  I will advocate for ensuring accountability, transparent funding processes and the evaluation of programs based on governance, financial stability and impact.


ECONOMIC REDEVELOPMENT AND REALLOCATION

The economic impact of unhoused persons, addictions, mental health issues and long-term provincial social aid are multifaceted. Each contributes to economic strain on resources, productivity, lower levels of contribution to our local economy, impacts on property valuations, and community well-being as a whole. Severe mental health issues account for 10-30% less likelihood of employment. A study of 31 of our city's properties showed a cost of over $6 million impact on public services and valuation of adjacent properties to often derelict properties inhabited by those experiencing addictions.  I commit to advocating for community, provincial and federal engagement challenges to promote economic redevelopment -- responsibly.


AFTERWORD

It has often been said it takes a village. 
Together, we can be that village, working towards supporting individual and community well-being by addressing the issues at hand. 

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