Thank you, Jean.
I want to start by thanking the ministers for meeting with us today to answer our questions, even though we do not have much time.
I must admit that I have many questions. If we don't have enough time to get through all the answers, I would very much appreciate if you would provide them in writing.
First off, two reports came out recently. Hunger Count 2011 was released about a month ago, and the Campaign 2000 report card was tabled yesterday. Both reports advocate investing in affordable housing as the first step towards reducing poverty.
Since we are on the topic of affordable housing, I would like you to speak briefly to the issue of homelessness. I see that the money earmarked for homelessness research was not all spent and that there are now more funds available. Does that mean the government acknowledges that homelessness has gone up in Canada? Is that what the government has observed?
Next, I want to discuss the severe housing shortage on reserves across the entire country. The best example I can think of to illustrate that shortage is Attawapiskat, where they have pretty much declared a state of emergency. I see that non-budgetary funds for reserve housing have not been exhausted; there is a $247-million surplus. I would like to know why.
Lastly, the budgetary funds for subsidized housing were underused to the tune of $157 million, whereas non-budgetary funds were overused by more than $1 billion.
I would like answers to those questions. As I said, if you don't have enough time to answer them all now, I would appreciate receiving that information in writing.
Thank you.