Mr. Speaker, I rise to convey the growing chorus of voices in Victoria expressing concern about homelessness during this Homelessness Awareness Week. Obviously Ottawa needs some awareness.
Twelve hundred people in my region are homeless or on the verge of being homeless. Nine hundred and fifty-three families are on wait lists for social housing.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is leading a national charge for a federal housing first approach. Our downtown business association has vocally argued that part of the federal surplus should be invested in a national housing strategy.
The government this week said that its primary duty was the protection of its citizens. Well, it is time for the government to finally act on those words and show real political will to put an end to homelessness in Canada. The government must take action, not just words, but action.