99.4 HOMELESSNESS
Whereas, Homelessness is approaching disaster proportions; and
Whereas, The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights commits each signatory country to work toward an “adequate standard of living” for all its citizens; and
Whereas, Even though Canada ranks #1 in the Human Development Index, Canada’s rank dropped to #10 in 1998 with regard to the gap between the rich and the poor; and
Whereas, Homelessness is an indication of underlying poverty, which affects people’s nutrition, mental and physical health, susceptibility to violence, and risk of a whole range of communicable diseases; and
Whereas, Women and children tend to suffer disproportionately from homelessness and its poverty-related concerns that affect not only women and children’s health but also women’s and children’s ability to seek, find and hold jobs; and
Whereas, The Government of Canada continues to eliminate or reduce a wide range of public support to the provincial and territorial governments, and these governments in turn continue to cut support for housing and social programs; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) urge the Government of Canada to recognize that homelessness is reaching disaster proportions in Canada and to fulfill its responsibilities to provide affordable housing; and be it further
RESOLVED, That NCWC urge its Provincial Councils of Women to urge their respective provincial governments to recognize that homelessness is reaching disastrous proportions on Canada and seek ways to address the problem; and be it further
RESOLVED, That NCWC urge its Local Councils of Women to urge their respective municipal governments to cooperate with the federal and provincial governments to facilitate the conversion of suitable buildings into hostels and shelters and provide medical support services and counseling.