I'll wrap up with three quick points we would like to propose in terms of recommendations.
One is that the Canada housing benefit, which was originally introduced in the national housing strategy, be fully implemented. Right now there's only one province that has signed the national housing benefit agreement: Ontario. We need all the others.
Number two, the federal government needs to introduce an acquisitions program and policy that would allow non-profit providers to acquire properties such that they could be converted into long-term permanent housing.
Number three, if there is a post-pandemic relief package—and we hope there is—we recommend that housing be the centrepiece of that package. It would not only create jobs and economic activity but also address social ills and better prepare us for the next pandemic to come.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I do look forward to those questions.