Mr. Speaker, I would absolutely not agree with that comment from the member for Mississauga South.
There is a gentleman who is usually parked in front of the House of Commons at the East Block entrance, about 200 yards from the entrance to this building. He is there virtually every morning. I asked him the day after the budget how he had been affected as I dropped a few coins into his outstretched hand. He said “Not at all”.
With respect to the question on tax transfers, it is simply unrealistic to suggest that the provinces can make up the difference. The taxpayer is feeling the burden enormously.
On the homelessness issue, I thought it was particularly offensive the other day when the Deputy Prime Minister suggested to the member for Halifax that it was simply a photo opportunity. What this federal government needs to do is to convene a round table or a discussion on homelessness. I agree that it is more than one level of government, but there has to be some leadership shown.
The mayors of the 10 largest cities in Canada have asked for a meeting to discuss homelessness. So far this government has not acceded to that request and I think it should with alacrity.