CambridgeToday received the following Letter to the Editor from Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region CEO Phil Mills, in regards to the upcoming election:
As the election season heats up, the most pressing issues in our province are taking centre stage. Promises are being made, mandates are being set, and the decisions made over the next few weeks will shape the future of our community and beyond.
From the economy and trade disruptions to doctor shortages and healthcare reform, the challenges we’re facing as a province are no small matter. Local candidates are bringing forward their ideas and proposals, but one issue stands out above the rest: housing.
Housing affordability isn’t just a crisis—it’s a problem that’s at the heart of nearly every other major issue on the ballot. The economy and labour shortages are all over the headlines, and rightly so. A thriving workforce is critical to keeping businesses open and our local economy strong. But how can we sustain that growth if folks can’t afford to live here? When a significant portion of household income goes toward covering the basics of shelter, folks have less to spend on local businesses, restaurants, and services. When affordability is a daily struggle, calls to "buy local" lose their impact.
Healthcare, another key issue in this election, is also closely tied to housing. As our province works to recruit more doctors and nurses, affordability becomes a huge factor in whether these professionals will choose to settle here. With a new hospital on the horizon, attracting medical staff won’t just be about job opportunities—it’s about whether they can afford to live in the community they serve.
Despite its far-reaching impact, housing hasn’t been as prominent in political conversations as it ought to be. One reason is that solutions to the housing crisis take time to implement. Construction is slow, costs are high, and long-term policies aren’t conducive to quick political wins.
But that doesn’t mean the issue is being overlooked. Every party has outlined some policies and goals, and it’s up to us, as voters, to take a close look at these plans. What we need now is more than just quick fixes. We need wide ranging, long-term solutions that tackle affordability at its core.
As the ballots get ready to be cast, now is the time for us to demand real, meaningful commitments from our leaders. Housing ought to be a top priority—not just in words, but in action. It’s time we make housing a focus of this election and beyond, because every issue is, at its core, a housing issue.
Phil Mills
CEO, Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region
