Mr. Speaker, the United Nations has designated October 7 as World Habitat Day. This year's theme is “City to City Cooperation” which encourages more partnerships to address the problems of our urban world.
Canadian cities have long been leaders in sharing their expertise. In 1997 the Federation of Canadian Municipalities was recognized with the Scroll of Honour from the United Nations human settlement program.
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, is working with UN Habitat in areas such as housing finance systems for developing countries. CMHC has also signed historic agreements with 10 provinces and territories to increase the supply of affordable housing in Canada, and negotiations are underway with the other jurisdictions.
CMHC continues to support quality, affordable housing in safe, healthy and sustainable communities.
I encourage members and all Canadians to join the United Nations in observing World Habitat Day.