In response to a question by NDP Housing Critic Cheri DiNovo, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson admitted that Ontario has only 486 occupied rental and supportive units under its Affordable Housing Program that rent for under $500.

“Ontario’s waitlist of over 170,000 for affordable housing represents a substantive failure by the McGuinty government. Ontario’s most vulnerable simply can’t find adequate housing for a decent rent,” said DiNovo.

According to anti-poverty groups, an affordable monthly rent is defined as at most, 30% of a person’s income. This equates to approximately $500 or less a month for low-wage earners and ODSP or OW recipients. While the McGuinty government has allocated $100 million for repairs to existing buildings, no money has been budgeted to build new units in 2008.

“If this government is serious about building new affordable housing then they should have included it in this year’s budget,” added DiNovo. “Though repairs are of course necessary, it will not address the issue of Ontario’s ridiculous waitlist for affordable housing.”