Mr. Speaker, the cost of housing has a dramatic impact on most families, but particularly on low income households, those often headed by women.
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of housing and provides $1.9 billion annually to support 640,000 Canadian households living in existing social housing units. We are also investing $1 billion for the affordable housing initiative, more than $500 million for housing renovation programs, and $320 million more in the existing affordable housing agreement with the provinces and territories.
The estimated $7 billion in GST relief to municipalities will benefit them over the next 10 years to help them provide better housing for their residents.
Adequate affordable housing can be an effective tool in reducing poverty, especially child poverty. The Liberal government will continue working with community partners and other levels of government to meet this need.