Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wish to provide all Members with a brief report on the meeting of Housing Ministers this week. On Monday, March 14, I attended a meeting in Regina of the special ministerial sub-committee on housing options for northern, remote and rural areas. The purpose of the committee is to examine housing conditions and the extreme depth of need of residents living in these areas across the country. The committee will provide recommendations to all federal, provincial and territorial Housing Ministers on how these needs are best met and funded.

Six provinces and territories plus the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are participating on the committee. At Monday's meeting, Ministers discussed:

- The severe housing conditions and housing shortfall being experienced by residents living in northern, remote or rural parts of Canada;

- Options and approaches to addressing the needs of these residents as a priority; and,

- Methods of providing assistance to these people which will allow for high levels of community and client involvement, local employment and training and, at the same time, provide assistance at the lowest cost per unit possible.

Based upon the discussions at the Ministers' meeting, officials will be preparing a report and recommendations by early April for review by Ministers participating on the sub-committee and for subsequent discussions and agreement by all jurisdictions.

I am encouraged to see that several other jurisdictions share our concern that the desperate housing conditions of people living in the north need to be addressed immediately. I will keep all Members informed as the work of this sub-committee proceeds. Thank you, Madam Speaker.