Thank you.
Since you are concerned about this situation, if you and the government could somehow make sure that the 600 job losses at CBC/Radio-Canada did not happen, I would be more than grateful.
On the subject of housing, I want to come back to Bill C‑56. Earlier, you alluded to Mr. Moffatt. When you appeared before the committee concerning Bill C‑56, I asked you whether your department could send us the figures and statistics concerning the predictions as to what the freeze on the goods and services tax would allow in the case of rental housing construction. To my knowledge, the committee has never received that information and we would be very grateful if you would kindly follow up on that subject.
On the question of the construction of social housing or affordable housing co‑ops, you have made commitments concerning subsidies or support. I believe, as do a number of other actors, that in the present situation, when interest rates are high, one possibility worth exploring would be to allow people to get a lower interest rate, whether through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, given its borrowing capacity, or through the federal government. If I am not mistaken, the federal government rate is 3.6% at the moment. The mere fact of these people being able to get that rate would be a step forward.
For example, if there were a reduced interest rate of 2%, the government could cover the difference. To finance $1 billion, the annual cost would be $16 million. That would free things up and get around the current problem of high interest rates, by using a method that would not cost the government too much. I humbly suggest that and I would like to know whether you have any comments on that subject.