Mr. Speaker, I stand today to champion the Dr. Peter Centre, an organization in my riding that integrates housing, health care, nutrition, therapeutic and cultural programs to serve the underserved and the vulnerable. The centre's integrated model has demonstrated positive and measurable results among its clients for decades. I have personally witnessed its impact: Reduced dependence on emergency departments, improved health status and fewer overdoses equal a decrease in health care costs in the long run. However, most important is the hope that the clients get from this program and the sense of belonging and integration into the community.
The Dr. Peter Centre has begun to extend this program across Canada. The vulnerable and underserved need our help and support to achieve these outcomes: positive health and social and economic well-being. After all, is this not what we all came here to do?