Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I want to thank my colleague for giving me her time so that I may speak with the minister.
Hello, Minister. I am pleased to be speaking with you today.
I would also like to greet my colleague for Hochelaga and Ms. Bowers, whom I see onscreen right now, as well as the other members of the committee.
I am very pleased that we are discussing housing today.
Currently, housing needs are growing faster than the number of dwellings being built, namely because of record levels of immigration and the real estate crisis we are experiencing. I'm not telling you anything new.
There is therefore a chronic lack of housing, especially social and community housing for the most vulnerable. In fact, Canada has a considerable shortage compared to other G7 countries. I'm referring here to the Scotiabank study published two weeks ago, of which you are no doubt aware. According to this study, Canada is last among G7 countries when it comes to housing. Indeed, Canada is missing 1.8 million dwellings, just to reach the average of G7 countries. Canada has 424 dwellings per 1000 residents, when the average is 471.
What is the plan to turn this around? What do we have to do now to start building housing at a rate faster than the increase in need?