Thanks very much, Chair.
We have spoken about it and looked at this issue to a great extent in our committee. We've heard from a number of economists and experts as we've looked at inflation and specifically the rise in the price of housing. I think what we've heard from folks is that largely this is a sort of supply-side problem, but there is definitely this aspect of non-resident non-Canadians, non-permanent residents, etc., buying property largely as an investment. I think my colleagues from all sides have heard me speak to this issue in the committee as part of the discussions. I'm very much in favour of something like this in principle.
Usually, when we craft legislation around things like this, we want to make sure that every scenario is thought through.
Mr. Ste‑Marie raised some issues. I'm not saying that I agree with all of them, but I do agree that we need to think about them.
I think it's important that we also consider what regulations need to be in place to enforce this. Are there some sorts of exceptions? It's something that needs to be thought through carefully. I just want to make sure we are careful about how we proceed on this.
In principle, I'm supportive of the concept, of course. I just think the right of a Canadian to get access to a home certainly should come ahead of the right of someone who is not living in Canada, and not contributing, to invest in our housing market.