It is an investment because it reduces costs in the areas of health, education, public safety and many other things.
We are saying that an additional $2 billion is needed to catch up. The amount depends on the regions. It is a bit like the complexity that we have to deal with when it comes to housing. We have to be able to build community and social housing where it is needed. It costs more in Vancouver, in the regions and in the downtown areas, but we have to keep up the pace. We cannot uproot people, and occupancy of the land is paramount. We have to spend the money needed so that people can be housed in their communities. We have to ensure that low-income people and the most vulnerable can stay in their communities.
We are talking about a substantial increase in budgets, but this must go hand in hand with leadership in terms of regulation and decentralization of powers in order to respect the needs of the communities.
In previous meetings, you have had First Nations people. This is a good example of how the primary need for adequate housing must be met while respecting communities. It is the same thing in housing throughout the territory. It concerns everyone, whether they are seniors, families, people with mental health problems or people with disabilities. These are vulnerable people who must have housing that is adequate for their condition; it is essential in our society. That is our challenge.