The NDP is calling out Christy Clark’s Liberal Government for not keeping track of homeless statistics.
After filing a freedom of information request, Opposition Spokesperson for Housing David Eby was told the BC Government has stopped counting the number of homeless people turned away from shelters.
“This is profoundly important information.” said Eby. “There’s a very high correlation between the number of turn-aways at a particular shelter and the number of homeless people in any particular community and the adequacy of the services that are offered.”
He says without tracking the number of homeless people being turned away from shelters, the province will not be able to address the needs of the homeless.
“In 2014, the information was that it’s certainly well within the means of government to provide the beds necessary for Prince George’s Homeless Population. They’re simply not doing it” said Eby. “Who knows what the demand is in 2015.”
Eby’s discovery comes on the same day the Province announced they will be funding 30 new extreme weather shelter spaces for the homeless in Prince George.
According to Service Canada, there are 49 homeless people living in the city.
We have not yet heard back from Prince George – Valemount MLA Shirley Bond.