Mr. Speaker, over the past 18 months, in my travels throughout my riding of Papineau, I heard time and time again how access to affordable housing is a major challenge for Canadian families.
High housing costs mean young people and new Canadians cannot buy homes, which leads to increased pressure on existing affordable housing.
November 22, 2008, is National Housing Day. In this period of economic uncertainty, Canadians have the right to demand that their government make access to affordable, safe housing a priority.
In this respect, the throne speech was disappointing. This government has frozen funding for affordable housing and combating homelessness, while also ignoring the housing crises in first nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
National Housing Day is a reminder that we must ensure that all Canadians are able to access affordable, safe housing and maintain their dignity.