Mr. Speaker, the London and St. Thomas Real Estate Board has adopted an initiative which we should note and applaud.
Each of its 1,450 realtors will be contributing an amount of $5 per member per year until the year 2000. The money will be deposited into a special trust fund to accumulate and accrue interest. The invested money is expected to reach $50,000, at which time it will be given to the federal government to be applied to the national debt.
The board's president, Debbie Collins, believes it is the first private sector association to undertake such an initiative. It has challenged fellow realtors across the country to do the same. It is serious about reducing Canada's deficit and debt and feels it is a very pressing problem.
Individuals and organizations are starting to take this seriously and will work out strategies along with the government to cope with our fiscal reality.