Authors » Fergus Hodgson

Fergus Hodgson

Fergus Hodgson is a Visiting Scholar with the American Institute for Economic Research (www.aier.org), and he conducts research for the Frontier Centre for Public Policy (www.fcpp.org). He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Boston University, where he was awarded an athletic scholarship for rowing. He went on to gain a Graduate Diploma in Political Science from the University of Waikato, New Zealand, alongside winning two national rowing championships. In addition to teaching and private consulting experience, he has published academic and popular articles in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand.



Articles By Fergus Hodgson

Freedom to Build: Homes for the Homeless

by Fergus Hodgson on November 26, 2009

The homeless of Canada, as a growing and suffering demographic, warrant our concern. Contrary to public perceptions, approximately half of these individuals are employed, and even more are willing to work. However, since the cost of housing has greatly outpaced wage growth, minimum wage and low paying jobs are no longer sufficient to cover accommodation in many of Canada’s major cities. The homeless are primarily a symptom of a restrained housing supply, particularly the low-cost variety. While numerous government programs and community initiatives have sought to address homelessness, they have proved ineffectual and often counterproductive. The homeless population has continued to expand, along with the relevant waiting lists and government agencies. These initiatives will continue to fail while the underlying cause, the many impediments to and the lack of private housing, is not addressed.

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