Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My remarks were a lot more complimentary before we had to listen to 47 pages. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Finance is generally
very supportive of the manner in which the corporation is operating.
It has demonstrated a refreshing openness, and willingness, to react to changing conditions and needs. We particularly appreciate the nickname given the Minister in the press. We think, Mr. Teflon is quite appropriate.
The corporation appears to take its responsibilities seriously and understand the need to get more northerners involved in the business of building houses. We think that is extremely important. We have heard the corporation agree that standards need to be re-examined, and changes need to be made to ensure that we build the largest number of houses for the best possible cost, both social housing, and H.A.P. units.
Given the recent allegations in the press about H.A.P. houses being over designed, we will, at the committee, be watching with interest to see how the corporation reacts.
Mr. Chairman, we do not have a great number of comments to make, but we do have some resolutions that we would like to present regarding the Housing Corporation budget.
The first one has to deal with their corporate plan or strategy. The committee has previously recommended the development of:
1. A ten year plan to eliminate the public housing shortage;
2. A credible housing needs survey to ensure equitable allocations of housing units;
3. An action plan to ensure problems in the corporation are corrected;
4. A plan to build more apartment type units;
5. A pilot project to devolve responsibility for the construction of public housing to authorities and associations; and
6. A plan to amalgamate housing associations with municipalities.
Mr. Chairman, except for completion of the survey, none of these items are reflected in the corporation's goals or objectives in the main estimates. The corporation has indicated that these are in various stages of review or completion, but no deadlines have been given.
While the committee is pleased with the corporation's progress, it feels there needs to be some finality. The committee continues to have concerns with the equitable distribution of housing units and dollars, and feels that devolution of headquarters and district functions, to associations authorities is not receiving a high enough priority.