Mr. Speaker, it bears repeating that we must look at the question in the light of how it affects the majority of Canadians but also those with specific and unique needs, including aboriginal people, who often live in remote and isolated regions, the disabled and single parents. That is a very important issue.
I cannot express enough that the real empowerment of the family or the individual is home ownership. It provides a great deal of stability economically, emotionally and in terms of a safe environment. The safety and security of the person is dealt with in the sense of providing a home. It gives an opportunity for the future.
I have some additional information on the aboriginal housing policy the hon. member asked about. This has addressed the failures, experience and inefficiencies of previous programs and has led to self-sufficiency. Is there any new aboriginal policy? The government through CMHC is providing $307.8 million in this fiscal year to support social housing both off and on reserve.
Every bit of achievement in giving home ownership to individuals in remote regions or to aboriginal people who live on reserves or off reserves is a major struggle. Each time we achieve something it is not done without hard work and compromise. It is very difficult, and every time you make progress it is a major achievement.