VANCOUVER - Vancouver's new mayor isn't wasting any time making good on his biggest election promise - tackling the homeless problem.
One day after being sworn in, Gregor Robertson has announced the creation of the Homeless Emergency Action Team to help people get off the streets and into safe accommodation.
The team includes Robertson, Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu, the city's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patricia Daly and David Eby of the Pivot Legal Society.
Rev. Ric Matthews, the minister of the First United Church, says he thinks the plan is a great first step, but calls it a short-term solution.
"The whole point ultimately is that folk have a place they can call home and have their own space so that is what's necessary," he said.
The mayor has not yet released his long-term ideas.
"The key thing for us to focus on right now is the short-term and ensuring people get out of the weather this winter and that there is some shelter and transitional housing available until the permanent housing exists," he said.
Robertson says ending homelessness is the most important priority of council, and that goal will be achieved in three stages, with the first focusing on more shelter beds and outreach services.
He says the second stage will see the city using its bylaws to protect existing affordable rental housing and ensure treatment is available for people with addictions and mental health issues.
Robertson says the third stage is the construction of new affordable housing, which he calls the only long-term solution.
