(Translation) Thank you, Mr. Speaker and honourable Members. Because of the things that are happening, people both unemployed and employed, are bound to face more hardship, especially those who are working. Now, Mr. Speaker, we have a growing number of students who are leaving their communities to attend school. We have people entering the workforce. We understand there will be a 30 per cent increase and this is phase I. While this is being discussed, we're also aware across Canada that people are interested in home ownership and it is very difficult to buy your own property.
The rent increases are set to begin April 1st, with a rent increase to 30 per cent. In the following year, this will be increased to 60 per cent and in the third year, it will change to 90 per cent. Mr. Speaker, my last comment is that it will eventually become 100 per cent. With these things happening, people are thinking about the deadline of April 1st. Is there no other solution you can come up with before implementing this on that date? This is a concern for our constituents and we also heard on the news that there was some discussion on TVNC about it. People talked about how many people will have to start looking into buying or moving into other units as long as they have a steady income.
Elders will be paying $2.00 a month for their rent. While that might be the case, people in the workforce still have to deal with the paperwork and deal with a 30 per cent increase on top of everyday utilities such as telephones and oil. This will take a big chip out of people's incomes. On behalf of my constituents, I want to express the need to look for other solutions before you implement the rental increase as of April 1st.
Mr. Speaker, we are not simply against this idea. It is not that we just want to stop the implementation. We need more time to be able to look at other possible options. For those of us who have a good income and who can obtain our own housing, it is not too much of a problem but there are many people who are actually considering quitting their employment to remain in their own housing, to avoid the higher costs. I speak on behalf of the people who rent these units from the housing association. Be reminded that we do not just plan to put an end to this, we want to have some time to look at other options. Mr. Speaker, please give us more time for the people who are renting to see if we cannot look at other options. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.