Published by Senator Catherine Callbeck on 16 February 2009
Editor (The Guardian):
I was surprised at how my new colleague, Senator Mike Duffy, misinterpreted my position on the federal budget in his letter of Feb. 12, 2009.
While I welcome the tax incentives and other housing initiatives contained in last month's Conservative budget, there is absolutely nothing which will help the people who need help with housing the most.
The fact of the matter is that the wait times for the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) and the Emergency Repair assistance program - renovations programs for low-income Canadians - are simply unacceptable.
It is appalling that, in a country as wealthy as Canada, our citizens in need are waiting years for help. The budget offers no funding assistance to lessen these waiting lists, thereby ignoring the very urgent needs of these people.
Here in P.E.I., the wait list for RRAP is six to seven years. For emergency repair, it is two years.
Imagine for a moment that your furnace breaks down in the winter and you are told that you will have to wait two years before they can even think of providing any assistance. Is this acceptable in a country like Canada?
I will continue the push for additional funding to eliminate wait times for these critical home renovation programs. All residents of P.E.I. - indeed, right across Canada - must be afforded the same opportunities to live in dignity. That starts with a home that is safe, secure and warm.
This isn't a partisan concern; this is about taking immediate action to help those who need it the most. Creating new programs and offering tax credits to support home renovations and stimulate the economy is a positive gesture, and I look forward to working with my new colleague to ensure that low-income Islanders are able to receive access to the programs they deserve.
Catherine Callbeck, senator for P.E.I.