Liberal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Liberal Convention Votes for BC Resolution to Establish National Housing Strategy

January 16, 2012 (Vancouver, BC) – Thousands of Liberal Party of Canada delegates from across the country that attended this weekend’s national Biennial Convention voted in favour of a policy resolution from British Columbia calling for the inclusion of a national housing strategy in the Party’s next election platform.  The convention included a record number of delegates from BC.

“The overwhelming response from Liberals across Canada to our housing resolution demonstrates our Party’s commitment ensuring every Canadian has access to a safe and secure place in which to live,” said 2011 Vancouver East Candidate and delegation co-chair Roma Ahi.

The BC resolution calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy that includes social housing, low-income rental housing, co-op housing, and middle-income housing in partnership with other levels of government, service providers and business. It also recommends creative legislative and tax policies to encourage the construction and maintenance of long-term affordable rental housing and the inclusion of specific measures to prevent and address homelessness.

The national convention was co-chaired by 2011 North Vancouver candidate Taleeb Normohamad.  The BC delegation was hosted by Vancouver Centre MP Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry and Vancouver Quadra MP Joyce Murray and led by four past BC candidates from the 2011 election: Roma Ahi (Vancouver East), Janna Francis (Okanagan-Shuswap), Renée Hetherington (Saanich-Gulf Islands), and Sangeeta Lalli (Caribou-Prince George).  More than 300 BC delegates attended the four-day conference despite an Ontario snow storm.

In addition to supporting a national housing strategy, delegates at the 2012 Liberal Party of Canada Biennial Convention voted in favour of three other policy resolutions that were presented by the BC delegation.  These included proposals to develop a comprehensive plan for post-secondary education; support child care and early childhood development; and legalize marijuana to combat organized crime.

Delegates at the historic Convention also approved a plan to create a new “supporter” category that will allow more Canadians to participate in the process that will elect the Party’s next leader.  “We are very excited that our party has decided to throw open our doors to all Canadians,” said LPC-BC Executive Director Don McDonald.  “We look forward to welcoming and engaging British Colombians from all walks of life in communities across the province in the weeks, months and years ahead.”

To view more policy and constitutions resolutions that were debated and approved at this weekend’s convention, visit www.liberal.ca.

-30-

Contact: Don McDonald 778-228-2410