The Community Development Corporations (CDC) of Montérégie-Ouest have jointly expressed profound disappointment with the recent economic update from the Legault government, which they believe neglects the urgent needs of vulnerable populations and community organizations in the region.

This fall, the CDCs actively participated in the national campaign “Quebec is Down for the Count” (Le Québec est KO), initiated by the National Table of Community Development Corporations (TNCDC). The campaign aimed to raise government awareness about issues of poverty and social exclusion. Despite these efforts, the announced measures remain largely inadequate, according to the organization.

“With so few concrete commitments from Minister Girard, Quebec will remain down for the count until the government significantly increases its investment in the fight against poverty and social exclusion,” said Marie-Line Audet, Executive Director of the TNCDC.

The CDCs are calling for:

The implementation of direct support programs for individuals living below the poverty line, including increases to social assistance benefits that meet at least the cost of the Market Basket Measure;

Access to decent, genuinely affordable housing that is shielded from speculative markets for those living in poverty or social exclusion throughout Quebec;

Recurrent and sufficient funding for community organizations to enable them to effectively support vulnerable populations.

Social Assistance: An Uphill Battle

According to the CDCs, the lack of significant enhancements to social assistance benefits keeps recipients “down on the mat.” “With an average annual social assistance amount of $14,701, recipients cannot recover from inflation and precarious living conditions,” the CDCs argue.

Housing: A Crisis Left Unaddressed

While the government announced plans to accelerate construction projects, no new investments were made in social or community housing. Yet, according to the CDCs, 10,000 additional units are urgently needed to address the current crisis.

“By failing to support community organizations and allowing the housing crisis and distress to worsen, the government has cornered Vaudreuil-Soulanges. This is a setback for our communities,” said Sébastien Legros, Executive Director of CDC Vaudreuil-Soulanges.

Community Organizations: Left in the Ring

Finally, the CDCs of Montérégie-Ouest pointed out that no additional funding has been allocated to the core missions of community organizations, despite urgent needs estimated at $2.6 billion.

“Organizations in Beauharnois-Salaberry are working tirelessly to meet needs, but they are running on empty. The lack of adequate funding only worsens the situation, and it’s the most vulnerable people who pay the price, unable to find adequate housing or even put food on their tables,” concluded Édith Gariépy, Executive Director of CDC Beauharnois-Salaberry.

For more information on the CDCs’ demands: https://www.tncdc.com/le-quebec-est-ko/