Statement made on 03 March 2011 by Senator Art Eggleton
Hon. Art Eggleton:
Honourable senators, last evening the National Finance Committee started its examination of the Estimates for the coming fiscal year. One of the lines that I noted was the termination of the Affordable Housing Initiative, which is the main housing program of the government in terms of new housing.
Honourable senators, there are over four million people across this country who are in need of decent, affordable housing. Most of them are paying more than the 40 per cent CMHC guideline or rule of thumb.
We all understand intuitively the importance of shelter. A home anchors a person and a family. It provides the foundation for higher educational attainment and leads to greater stability in the workplace. Health experts also tell us that adequate housing is a key determinant of health and long-term outcomes.
With sound moral and economic arguments for affordable housing construction in Canada, why is the government terminating the Affordable Housing Initiative?
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