Defining the Problem
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008How a problem is defined really does lead to how a solution is rolled out. I commend the Saskatchewan government on thier steps to appropriately define and solve the housing problem in our larger Saskatchewan Communities. Rental rates have risen dramatically over the past year, leaving many low income families out in the cold when it comes to having a roof over their heads. The Saskatchewan Government put together a review of the issue - quickly - and followed the recommendations in the review - also quickly. The problem is defined in a twofold way. First of all, many people’s incomes are too low to afford rental properties - logical solution - offering subsidies and increasing social assistance. Secondly, a housing shortage is being recognized and plans are being put in place to create more rental housing in our larger communities.
Had the government defined the problem only as people not having enough money, all the subsidies in the world wouldn’t put people in homes if there are no homes. Had the government defined the problem as there not being enough houses, all the houses in the world wouldn’t help if people couldn’t afford the housing.
How a problem is defined leads directly to how a problem is resolved. If we get caught up in an incorrect definition…we will lead ourselves directly to an incorrect solution - and then scratch our heads when the problem isn’t resolved.
Congratualations to the government on their implementation of the HomeFirst Rental Development Program. As John Gormley would say… A hand up, not a handout.
By the way, I really have no political stripe. I’d rather look at the individual actions and behaviors of parties and party members to determine what I agree with on any given day. The idea of supporting a party regardless of which monstrous decisions they might make disturbs me.