ELECTION RESOURCES
Election Priorities for Housing
1. Preserving the Legacy
Establish a $1.5b capital funding program over 10 years to support community housing, with a program specifically designed by and for Indigenous-led housing organizations.
Manitoba is facing a looming crisis as deferred maintenance means occupants are living in inadequate housing, units are vacant despite high wait lists, and buildings are at risk of loss through sale or demolition.
An investment of $1.5B could preserve the 23,000 homes currently in fair condition; it would cost 4 times more to replace this housing.
2. Building the Community
Increase and stabilize funding for support within community housing, with tenant support coordinators at a minimum ratio of 1/100 units, and supportive housing for seniors and people at-risk of homelessness.
Community housing is more than a door and four walls, it delivershome, community, and stability. Evidence-based solutions are r equired to offer choice and meet varied needs. Preventing eviction, reducing social isolation, and providing resource connections for tenants creates healthier and safer communities, and reduces the need for high-cost emergency or institutional services.
3. Matching the Moment
Create 10,000 new units of community housing over the next 10 years.
At the current pace of development, it will take 50 years to meet the needs of the 23,000 Manitoban households in core housing need.
Creating community housing is a sustainable solution, and an investment in community-based economic development, community revitalization, and better health and social outcomes for decades to come. Economists have argued that addressing Canada’s housing crisis requires a doubling of the community housing stock over the next 30 years; 10,000 units will put Manitoba on track to meet this target.
Resources for Housing Organizations and Partners
MNPHA has developed fact sheets on the need for community housing for Manitoba’s largest communities. This includes information on who needs housing, how many units at what size and income level are required to meet the need, and information on the organizations currently providing community housing in the area.
These fact sheets can be brought to election candidates, used as guides for election forum questions and information, and past the election to inform leaders, decision-makers, housing organizations, and the general public.
Brandon
Portage la Prairie
Selkirk
Steinbach
Thompson
Winkler
Winnipeg
Manitoba
5 Things Housing Organizations can do During the Election
Help Make Affordable Homes for all Manitobans a 2023 Election Priority
1. Empower Tenants & The Community
Speak with tenants, family, friends, and board members about the importance of non-profit housing in the upcoming election.
Share your organization’s and your tenant’s successes with MNPHA and follow us on social media to spread the word widely. Share the 2023 Housing Priorities and explain why they matter!
2. Host a Community Event
Host a community event to showcase the value of non-profit housing within your community. It could be a forum, debate, or a casual BBQ or pancake breakfast. Invite candidates and engage them in conversation on the 2023 Housing Priorities. Here is a sample invitation you can use.
3. Encourage Voting
Share information and resources with tenants to encourage voting turnout during the election. Tenants can confirm if they are registered to vote here.
4. Meet with Candidates
Talk with candidates of all parties within your community to share why non-profit housing should be a priority through offering a tour, talking about successes, and telling them about your waiting lists.
Show candidates how they can support non-profit housing by talking about your organization’s own journey, funding, and support you have received from the province to make it a success.
5. Continue the Conversation
Stay involved after the election. Follow up with the elected MLA in your community and ask how they will follow through on their promises to prioritize non-profit housing.
Invite the elected MLAs to visit for a tour and coffee chat with residents.
Download the 5 Things you can Do During the Election document as a pdf
Housing Data and Information
Research, Data, and Information on Housing Need and Solutions
1. Community Housing Needs Assessment
MNPHA commissioned a report to summarize community housing need in Manitoba using data derived from the 2021 Census. The full Community Housing Needs Assessment can be downloaded here
2. Canadian Rental Housing Index
The Canadian Rental Housing Index (CRHI) is a comprehensive database of rental housing statistics. It can be used to track and compare average rental costs, how rental housing spending compares with income, and the rate of overcrowding in municipalities, regions and provinces. It can be accessed here
Resources for Tenants of Community Housing
What Tenants can do During the Election
1. When Candidates Knock on Your Door
Ask what their plan is to support low-income housing. Are they aware of the long wait lists? Of how the budget causes long waits for repairs? Of how support from housing staff helps create a healthy community?
2. Share your Story
Send us your story and we’ll make sure your voice is heard. How has your housing changed your life? As a tenant what are your successes and challenges? Call us 204-222-2181 ext. 3
3. Spread the Word
Share news about your housing and follow @mnpha on social media. Repost our stories. Post about housing and tag us. Tell people why housing matters this election. Go to election events and forums to ask about housing.
4. Your Vote Counts
Election Day is Tuesday, October 3rd. Please vote, on election day, in advance, or using an absentee ballot. There are great resources on how to vote at www.electionsmanitoba.ca
Download the Vote for Housing guide for tenants