In a 2015 report by the Montreal Public Health Director for safe and affordable housing, Dr. Richard Massé enumerated the problems that Montrealers face due to the lack of housing regulations being imposed in Canada. "Canada is the only OECD country that does not have a national housing strategy in overall," said Dr. Massé.
"The problem of access to affordable housing prevents thousands of Montrealers to feed themselves adequately. Solutions must be brought forward quickly because poor nutrition can lead to many health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity and many cancers," added Dr. Massé.
The director reported that access to affordable housing, particularly for Montréal families, is deteriorating. The cost of housing three bedrooms, for example, has increased by 38 percent, while inflation stood at 28 percent for the same period. In 2014, the vacancy rate of three bedrooms for under $700 per month was close to zero percent on the island of Montreal, a difficult situation for low-income families with several children.
The report also reveals that in 2014, nearly 30 percent of Montreal households had at least one problem of inadequacy in their housing. More than 20 percent had the apparent mold or traces of water infiltration; nine percent had rodents (mice or rats); 3.4 percent had bed bugs, and 3.3 percent had cockroaches. Renters are more affected by unsanitary problems. Nearly 30 percent of them reported being exposed mold or traces of water infiltration in their homes, a proportion three times higher than that of household owners (11 percent).
The lack of access to safe and affordable homes also affects the health and well-being of Montrealers. The report stated that food insecurity experienced by thousands of households who do not have access to affordable housing, can lead to nutritional deficiencies as well as poor mental and physical health, both in adults and in children. They can also see their physical long-term compromise and even suffer from overweight. Moreover, the presence of unhealthy factors, such as mold, excessive moisture or pests, are associated with the development or worsening respiratory diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and respiratory infections. Thus, on the island of Montreal, 5,000 children suffer from asthma related to excessive moisture or mold problems in their housing.
Dr. Massé recommended the following in order to be able to address the problems: a federal reinvestment in social and community housing programs, the adoption of Quebec to the national housing policy in partnership with the cities that would invest in social and community housing units for families, and the establishment of the renovation assistance programs and private accommodation.
