Mr. Speaker, budget 2022 announced a proposed investment of $1.5 billion over two years to extend the rapid housing initiative. This funding is expected to create at least 6,000 new affordable housing units.
Veterans have been a priority group since our government launched the national housing strategy. Veterans continue to be a priority population for the national housing strategy, of which the rapid housing initiative is a constituent element.
The government remains committed to addressing the issue of veteran homelessness. Budget 2021 announced $45 million for a pilot program aimed at reducing veteran homelessness. Budget 2022 proposes an additional $62.2 million over three years toward a new veteran homelessness program that will provide services and rent supplements to veterans experiencing homelessness in partnership with community organizations until 2027.