Letter: Canadore College must take responsibility for student housing crisis

Editor's note: Mr. Hodderley writes in response to a previous letter Canadore continues to attract foreign students knowing there is no housing available.

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To the editor:

I am writing to express my sincere commendation for the commendable efforts exhibited by the staff at Sireg Management/Birchwood Village Leasing Office in bringing this matter to the limelight.

Their actions exemplify a profound sense of community mindfulness, and compassion towards foreign students attending Canadore College in North Bay. These students have found themselves in a challenging situation, as there have been no provisions for student residences or suitable apartment arrangements made available to them by the college.

Numerous reports from friends and acquaintances have highlighted the plight of foreign students who, due to the lack of accommodation, have resorted to sleeping in public areas such as Northgate Mall, wooded tree lines, and parks.

They have no mode of transportation, do not know anyone, do not know our culture, and are basically strangers in our country. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated, as it places these foreign students in vulnerable and unsafe circumstances.

One heartening instance was shared with me wherein a friend extended aid to a student, arranging temporary accommodation, and providing essential supplies including bedding, towels, clothing, and personal care items.

I have personally spoken with two foreign students attending Canadore College and it is disappointing to note that despite possessing the financial means to secure accommodations, these students have not received the requisite support from Canadore College in their pursuit of suitable housing.

Alleged redirection to platforms like Kijiji for housing solutions is, indeed, a matter of concern. This oversight has far-reaching implications, especially given the heightened risks associated with human trafficking and other criminal activities that target individuals in vulnerable positions.

In light of these circumstances, I would like to emphasize the urgent need for increased awareness of this issue. Relevant stakeholders such as local social agencies, religious institutions, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and Red Cross, should be engaged to address the challenges faced by these students.

It is essential to acknowledge that while the federal government issues visas, the responsibility to arrange housing for these students falls squarely on the educational institution, namely Canadore College, which these students have entrusted with their education.

This crisis was not created by either the Provincial Government or Federal Government matter, but by Canadore College not doing its job.

The initiative demonstrated by the Sireg Management/Birchwood Village and other property management companies in North Bay is truly commendable. They have stepped up to fulfill a role that should rightfully be undertaken by Canadore College.

This underscores the urgency for the college to fulfill its responsibility in ensuring the well-being and safety of its students, particularly those paying significant tuition fees to pursue their education.

In conclusion, I once again extend my appreciation to the staff of Sireg Management/Birchwood Village for their remarkable actions in the face of adversity and for bringing this crisis situation to light. This situation, however, also serves as a wake-up call for Canadore College to reevaluate its duty of care toward its students.

It is my hope that prompt and appropriate measures will be taken to rectify the current housing predicament and prevent further distress to the affected students.

John Hodderley

North Bay