Mr. Speaker, at the end of World War II, the federal government began investing in affordable housing in recognition of the fact that the market alone could not provide homes for all Canadians. For decades after, the federal government helped to build much of the social and co-operative housing we still see standing in our communities today. However, starting in the late 1980s, subsequent governments reduced the federal role in building affordable housing. The consequences of this lack of investment are now painfully evident in the city of Victoria, where we now have the lowest vacancy rate in Canada and some of the highest rents and housing prices. Many families and seniors cannot find housing at all.
Victoria's economy is growing. We have a thriving high-tech sector, and young families are trying to build their careers and start families. We cannot let this housing divide hold our cities back. Our municipalities and provincial governments simply cannot go it alone.
I am calling on the government to deliver a significant capital investment in social housing infrastructure in the upcoming budget and to restore the federal government's role as a leader in making sure that all Canadians have a safe place to call home.