Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his interest in this important issue.
The hon. member raises a fundamental question all members of this House must confront. Canada Mortgage and Housing has been at the forefront of providing financial assistance with regard to emergency shelters as well as self-contained units. At the present time we are in negotiations with the province of Quebec regarding eight additional shelters. I would be happy to take the hon. member's representations on notice.
I do want to say to all members of the House that as legislators it is time for us to look at all possibilities in terms of those who are the victims of family violence.
I find it passing strange that women and children must leave the family unit while the spouse, the husband in most instances, remains in the family unit. I think it ought to be the other way around.