Mr. Speaker, in 1986, the United Nations designated the first Monday of every October as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all citizens to adequate shelter.
On Monday, World Habitat Day will focus our attention on the need to improve urban planning to deal with the major challenges of the 21st century. In developed and developing countries, cities and towns are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, resource depletion, food insecurity, population growth and economic instability.
Sadly, Canada has a Conservative government that continues to ignore all these issues. World Habitat Day should also be a day for all Canadians to rally together to demand that the government stop playing games with infrastructure funding that will help cities and communities meet some of the century's newest challenges.
We all know the problems that exist in helping to keep our communities vibrant and sustainable, and we all must share in the solution. That is why on World Habitat Day, and indeed every day, we must demand more of our federal government.