Thanks very much, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to our witnesses for being here today. We certainly hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy during this pandemic.
Mayor Alty, I'd like to start with you. You've confirmed previous testimony we've heard from people such as Mayor Coté from the City of New Westminster and Mayor Hurley from the City of Burnaby about the overall impact on municipal services during this pandemic. Thank you for that.
I have three questions for you specifically about the housing issue, because that is an issue that is top of mind here in the lower mainland of British Columbia. We are simply seeing an increase in homelessness as the pandemic worsens many of the socio-economic conditions that existed prior to it.
You mentioned that there was a federal government-owned building with 36 units that I understand is empty. I'd be interested in knowing how long that federal building has been empty, because obviously 36 units is a considerable start in terms of addressing housing. You've talked about a substantial increase in funding, and I couldn't agree with you more. In fact, $7 billion seems to be a very important first start, as the rapid housing initiative doesn't meet in any way the huge demand of hundreds of thousands of families across the country.
What has been the impact of the lack of housing in Yellowknife now, and what would be the impact if we were talking about a $10-billion, $15-billion or even $20-billion program that puts shovels in the ground and started building affordable housing across the country?
I raise that because in British Columbia, as you're probably aware, the B.C. government has built more housing than every other jurisdiction put together, including the federal government, by simply moving to putting in place modular housing, to make sure that affordable housing units are purchased and put in place.
What would be the impact of the federal government really stepping up and investing double figures in billions of dollars to ensure that housing was available for everybody who needs it?