Mayor and Council 
Saint John City Hall
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Dear Mayor and Council 

I am writing to express my strong support for the initiative to utilize city finances to construct affordable housing units, even in the absence of support from the provincial government. As a concerned resident, I firmly believe that access to affordable housing is a fundamental right that should be prioritized by all levels of government.

Our residents and members of our community are facing higher than ever rents, inflation that is outpacing wages and a housing crisis that has claimed three lives in recent months that we can directly attribute to housing unaffordability. 

While collaboration with the provincial government is ideal, the urgency of the affordable housing crisis demands immediate action. Waiting for external support risks exacerbating the situation and further marginalizing vulnerable members of our community. The working poor and homeless in our city simply cannot wait any longer.

Therefore, I commend the municipal government for considering independent action to address this pressing issue.

Investing city finances in the construction of affordable housing units demonstrates a commitment to the well-being of our residents and the overall prosperity of our community. It sends a powerful message that we prioritize our residents health, well being and basic human rights under Maslow's hierarchy of needs. By addressing the most basic of needs, housing, our city can be a Vanguard in forward thinking to solve the woes of our nation. 

Furthermore, taking autonomous action showcases our city's leadership and resilience in the face of challenges. It demonstrates that we are proactive and innovative in finding solutions to complex problems, even when faced with bureaucratic hurdles or lack of support from higher levels of government.

I urge you to move forward with the plan to use city finances to build affordable housing units, regardless of the provincial government's involvement. This decisive action will make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families struggling to find safe, affordable housing.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I stand ready to support and advocate for efforts to address the affordable housing crisis in our community.

Sincerely,

Andrew Mercier