Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this prebudget debate today. It is earlier than most of us expected. We still want to make a point of trying to get some of the issues that matter, certainly to my riding of York West, on the record.
The residents of York West, which is the riding I am proud to represent, clearly have stressed the importance of living in a safe community. They understand the pressures on our budget and on the finance minister to put the investment into security, as all Canadians want, to ensure we have a safe and secure environment.
Another issue in my riding clearly is housing. There is an enormous need for that in part of my community. Other issues include jobs, good hospitals and efficient transportation. Seniors need more support such as home care programs and the like.
What I want to spend the rest of my time talking about are some of the things I have learned as chair of the Prime Minister's task force on urban issues.