Ahmed Hussen

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, I do appreciate the questions. I just want to clarify a few things. I think there are some inaccuracies in some of the assertions made.

Of the rental construction financing initiative, for the over 190 projects funded by CMHC, only four are connected to or are real estate investment trusts. That means that these projects are really increasing supply. They also have to meet the affordability criteria that is imposed on them to access federal dollars, as well as making their units accessible and energy efficient.

In terms of deeply affordable housing, I would point the hon. member to the significant investments we have made, and continue to make, in affordable housing, whether it is the rapid housing initiative or the co-investment fund, which delivers an average of $700 in monthly rental payments for tenants living in those units across the country.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, I welcome the hon. member's questions and the prioritization of housing and action against homelessness.

I can assure the member that our government prioritizes funding to support organizations supporting those who are experiencing homelessness on the ground. We have doubled that funding, in fact.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, how can the hon. member say this when we committed $400 million as part of the northern housing priorities in budget 2018 and then an additional $845 million over seven years for Inuit distinctions-based housing recently? These are significant dollars and they are in addition to the rapid housing initiative investments and other investments.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, we do prioritize housing for indigenous women through our investments. We just recently announced $103 million to fund projects in over 21 communities, particularly for indigenous women fleeing from domestic violence.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, that is not fair. In Nunavut alone we have helped over 5,000 families and supported individuals to meet their housing needs. Yes, there is more work to be done, but to say that there has been no action—

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, the hon. member is right. We have, of course, allocated significant resources that are making an impact on the ground, but there is more work to be done. We are committed to doing that work.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, they have been available. It is a long-term commitment that flows through different streams. One is through the bilateral agreements. Another one is through the northern—

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, the total amount outside of the funds that the hon. member mentioned is $400 million as part of the northern housing strategy.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, that is not quite accurate. In fact, the $4-billion allocation builds on the existing money of $300 million, which is going to urgent needs while we build on the larger strategy.

[Business of Supply, May 15th, 2023]

Madam Chair, we do uphold those rights, as evidenced by our co-development approach for the urban, rural and northern indigenous housing strategy.