Mr. Speaker, I will focus on one aspect, and that is the provision for assistance given to social housing.
The federal government continues to provide $2 billion annually in social housing assistance to support the more than 661,000 existing units across this country. Over a million low income Canadians whose housing needs cannot be met through the private sector market benefit from this assistance. This housing assists some of the most disadvantaged members of our society, including seniors on fixed incomes, aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, families led by single parents, social assistance recipients, and the working poor. It is important to note that this support, which is also part of the debate here today, cannot solely be left to the private sector. CMHC activities contribute to that stable supply of affordable housing, which increases the economic benefits for all Canadians and provides our quality of life.
CMHC's research demonstration and information transfer activities improve housing and living conditions and make the housing market more efficient and competitive. New technology, housing technology, building science, and promoting good living environments all provide us with safe, healthy, and sustainable development. These are all part of the work of CMHC and the research that is being done in that area.
When we talk about support that is given to the whole issue of the CMHC mortgage insurance fund and the support it needs, it is important to note not only the quality of life but also the science and technology aspect, which provides employment for Canadians.