Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I have been following the increase in the price of housing units, that is houses and other accommodations.
Since the end of 2014, all of the OECD countries have seen an increase in housing prices. That increase has been more pronounced recently, during the pandemic years. We are worried about that and we really want to find solutions.
I read an article by Jean-François Perrault from Scotiabank that indicated that this is basically a supply and demand issue. The problem is that there is not enough housing to meet the demand. All of the OECD countries have experienced population growth. How can we increase the housing supply?
People in my riding have talked to me about the problems they have had and the obstacles they have faced in trying to get permits to build new housing in the community.
I would like to mention that I am proud of our government's announcement of a $35-million investment to help small municipalities welcome new refugees. That is a good investment in housing in rural areas. What is more, we announced that we will be holding a summit in partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Do you think that the solutions designed to boost supply and encourage urban intensification will work?