MPP Gilmour, Girls Government students call for more affordable housing

QUEEN’S PARK — Ontario NDP Shadow Minister for Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale—High Park) hosted Grade 7 and 8 students from Holy Family Catholic School, and Dr. Rita Cox—Kina Minagok Public School yesterday, as they called for more affordable housing.

The students spent the day at Queen’s Park as part of the 2026 Girls Government program, aimed at encouraging young women to get involved in politics and advocacy.

“No family or child should have to constantly worry about where they’re going to sleep,” said Inaya Jones (Grade 8, Dr. Rita Cox—Kina Minagok). “By investing in more affordable housing options, rent can be stabilized, and we can give people secure living conditions.”

"Affordable housing is a must right now. The costs of living continue to skyrocket, moving faster than many peoples’ incomes. People are cost-burdened, and desperate to afford essentials,” said Ola Adams and Isabelle Ramos Cruz (Holy Family). “We have dreams. To move out of our family homes, attend post-secondary schools, have good jobs, families, to not worry about having roofs over our heads."

“Across Ontario, we're seeing crisis numbers of 85,000 unhoused residents,” said Gilmour. “Homelessness among young people is sharply increasing: nearly one in every four unhoused Ontarians is under the age of 24.

“This isn’t the world that we want to hand to these young women. I am urging the government to listen to their message, and commit to realizing their vision of Ontario — one with a place for everyone to thrive.”