Ahmed Hussen

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, the first-time homebuyer incentive, the first-time homebuyer tax-free savings account, measures to increase supply, and banning the foreign ownership of Canadian residential real estate are all measures meant to encourage continued access to the Canadian dream of home ownership.

We know that it is getting challenging for a number of Canadians to access their dream of home ownership, so we are doing our part to make sure that first-time homebuyers continue to have access to the dream of home ownership by introducing the first-time homebuyer tax-free savings account of up to $40,000.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, it is really important, as the hon. member has emphasized, that we continue to partner with other orders of government, but also with the private sector as well as the non-profit sector, to deliver more housing, more affordable housing and more supply of housing across the country. Partnerships are very important for the housing sector.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, the federal government is determined to help Quebeckers find safe and affordable housing.

Since 2015, we have invested more than $6.5 billion in Quebec to help more than 45,000 families and individuals secure the housing they needed.

The bilateral agreement between the governments of Canada and Quebec will result in a combined investment of an additional $3.7 billion over 10 years to improve housing conditions in Quebec.

That is what federal leadership on housing looks like for Quebeckers.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, the hon. member is absolutely right. Canadians with disabilities are one of the priority groups in the national housing strategy. That means that the national housing strategy prioritizes investments in affordable housing to deliver permanent housing and transitional housing to adults with developmental disabilities, as well as wraparound services and supports.

That is how we deliver housing that meets the needs of all Canadians, particularly projects with future partnerships among local governments, provinces and territories, non-profit organizations and multiple players, including the federal government. We have seen those kinds of projects come to fruition precisely because of the partnerships, but also due to the significant federal dollars that are delivered through programs like the rapid housing initiative and the national housing co-investment fund.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, again, I thank the hon. member for her advocacy in getting those projects into her community. This is an example of what happens when the federal government is able to invest into locally prioritized projects that deliver real housing solutions for Canadians. I am proud of the work that we have been able to do in Châteauguay—Lacolle with the hon. member.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, I am actually very happy with that question. I just announced recently, along with the Minister of Veterans Affairs, a new program investing $79 million to create permanent housing solutions for veterans experiencing homelessness, which includes rental supplements as well as wraparound supports and services to integrate veterans and provide housing solutions for them. It is a great program. It is also about building capacity for veteran-serving organizations, while also dealing with the housing needs of veterans.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, we believe in the right to housing; they do not.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, I wish the hon. member used his advocacy skills within his caucus because their so-called housing plan does not even have the word “homelessness” in it.

How can we take this party seriously on homelessness when it is not even mentioned in its plan?

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, we have prevented 62,000 people from joining homelessness and we have diverted 32,000 people away from homelessness into permanent housing. That is our track record and we will continue to invest more to prevent and solve homelessness in Canada.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, I have never heard members from the party opposite bring homelessness up in question period. This is the first time they have done that. I want to congratulate them for finally coming around to prioritizing homelessness. Unfortunately, when it came time to actually do something about it, they voted against doubling investments to help people experiencing homelessness.