Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Labour has undertaken a national survey to identify the challenges and help develop meaningful solutions. We must support her efforts.
I have personally visited the Portland Hotel Society in Vancouver's downtown eastside, the poorest postal code in Canada. This noteworthy organization works with poor and low income individuals to provide housing and services. It tries to address the needs of a group which faces numerous challenges such as drug and alcohol abuse, HIV positive, mental illness, poverty and social isolation.
Every day the personnel of the Portland Hotel Society work to rescue those who have fallen through the cracks of our social safety network. The manager of this affordable housing project clearly expressed her concern for the plight of homeless individuals. We must endeavour to build national partnerships to address this urgent problem.
Increased support for post-secondary education in Canada is needed. Education is an essential element to ensure that our children will gain the knowledge to allow them to compete on an equal footing in the new global economy. Knowledge is the key for the 21st century. Canadian universities and colleges must have a sustainable level of core funding.
I am pleased that the finance committee is recommending a balanced approach for our budget to ensure solid fiscal health in the future. It is clear our Liberal government not only listens to Canadians for their financial interests and needs, we also will build a better future for our younger generation.
May I take this opportunity to wish all my colleagues a very happy holiday season.