Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to respond further to the question raised by my colleague regarding the important negotiations between the federal government and the provinces concerning housing.
The federal government has offered to the provinces and territories the opportunity to take over the management of the existing federal social housing resources, with the exception of housing in Indian reserves, provided federal subsidies continue to be used for housing and are targeted to low income households.
These negotiations are aimed at simplifying the administration of social housing by eliminating overlap and duplication and by providing clients one-stop shopping.
We have already signed agreements with some provinces, including Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, and will be signing with other provinces shortly. Negotiations are continuing with the remaining provinces and territories.
Let me assure my colleague that national principles and a rigorous accountability framework will govern the agreements and provinces and territories will have to agree and respect these agreements. The federal government is not withdrawing the financial support it provides to low income Canadians with housing needs. We will continue to meet our financial obligations related to the existing social housing portfolio which is currently about$1.9 billion a year.