An end to the tyranny of Corporate Canada’s influence upon local governments is required

BY STEVEN KASZAB

News casts have been telling the public that housing starts are progressing, but not rapidly, not at the level we need. Pricing of those houses still remains high as well. The concept of affordable housing still remains a foreign language to the developers of Canada. This housing crisis has brought before the public a few questions relating to this issue and what exactly can be done to build housing promptly as they are needed and not ten years from now.

Does the government have a place in this equation? Previously and even today the number of housing starts and their prices fall upon those who build them. Private sector development as always. Developers make a house and sell it for as much as they can? Why not? Our entire social economy is based upon the fact that business can do whatever it wishes to do. There is no social contract to fulfill the wishes of the ruling political party, which is to build as many houses as possible. It does not make sense for big business to build so many houses that there may be a possible over-stock of housing, which would drive the cost of housing downward. The developers plan a controlled yet sustained growth, taking advantage of the Provincial governments de-regulation and red tape cutting scheme.

What should be done in the near future?

• Regional, provincial and national governments need to get into the developing and building business. Only through public ownership can the needed housing be built quickly with managed costs too. Build a house for $125,000 perhaps or build apartment buildings intended for renters. Government does not need to rely upon selfish profiteering developers to build publicly needed housing.
• Regional governments need to establish their own banks which can borrow from the big banks and then loan these funds to the government’s own developers and builders. Creating one’s own regional economic banking system provides greater flexibility in their financial developments.
• Regional governments can become power houses of financial might allowing them to experience more flexibility and self-management of policy making. Building housing locally creates local jobs, revenue streams for local businesses and greater flow of taxation.
• If Aboriginal tribes and communities can receive permission to self-direct and build their housing needs, why not regional governments? The independence that would be given to these regional governments will allow them to fulfill their particular and unique needs. Provincial or national governments can carry out annual audits of these organizations’ actions and financial transactions as well.
• There is a social contract between the public and their governments that surpasses the wants and demands of private business. Public organizations wish to help people while businesses like developers exist to make profit. If people are helped, that is secondary to private business.

It is time to turn away from the predominant and undue influence of the private sector and inject the public’s desires and needs into a system that ignores corporate demands. Regional, municipal and provincial governments need to establish their own building and development corporations owned by the people and for the fulfillment of the people’s needs.

An end to the tyranny of corporate Canada’s influence upon local governments is required. Viva la Housing Revolution!