Mr. Speaker, affordable housing remains a serious concern of the Government of Canada.
The minister responsible for housing met recently with his provincial and territorial counterparts to discuss housing issues and concerns, in particular the lack of affordable rental housing. Ministers there agreed on a work plan which involves a research agenda and multi-sector consultations with stakeholders to discuss and formulate action plans.
We recognize that the private market cannot meet the housing needs of all Canadians. That is why the Government of Canada spends approximately $1.9 billion annually addressing the housing needs of low income Canadians, including ongoing support for some 640,000 low income Canadians receiving assistance to reduce their housing costs and to improve housing conditions for others.
The 2000 federal budget announced new affordable housing opportunities with the goods and services tax residential rental property rebate proposed for newly constructed, substantially renovated and converted residential rental accommodation. As well, through the $2 billion new national municipal infrastructure program funding can be used for affordable housing.
Homelessness is also a serious issue that requires a comprehensive solution, with which the member agrees. That extends beyond housing alone. The Government of Canada has undertaken a range of measures including funding of the $753 million federal strategy to address homelessness announced in December 1999. Of this amount CMHC will spend $268 million expanding programs designed to repair and improve housing occupied by or intended to be occupied by low income people, including those at risk of homelessness.
Additional investments are being made in strategic initiatives for youth, urban aboriginal peoples and victims of family violence.
The cornerstone of our investment toward helping the homeless is the $305 million supporting communities partnership initiative.