Mr. Speaker, in the riding of Mercier, there are three community organizations, Résidence Emmanuel Gregory, Pavillon Emmanuel Gregory, and Pavillon Prospère Boulanger. They serve people in conflict with the law, offering housing, assistance and monitoring in order to help offenders to reintegrate society in a responsible and respectful manner, and thus help to prevent crime.
This past April, the federal government increased their annual budget by 16%, which translates concretely into close to $300,000 more for these three centres in the riding of Mercier. This will enable them to enhance the quality of the services provided.
I would also like to take this opportunity to mention the excellent contribution made by the volunteers in Quebec's 25 halfway houses, who help offenders to take control of their lives and return to society. Their community actions improve the quality of life for everyone.