Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call attention to some of the problems I see in my constituency because of the shortage of suitable, adequate and affordable housing. Mr. Speaker, because there is a shortage of housing, I see low-income families sharing houses that are too small to begin with, leading to overcrowded...in some situations, the facilities cannot accommodate the number of people by the use of running water. Regarding the effect it has on those families with regard to the public safety, health and well being of these families.

What choice do these people have regarding large families and supporting their families and trying to realize that the lack of housing accommodation does have an effect on the family, especially in our traditional, aboriginal communities? There is a custom that continues on of sharing, caring and ensuring family support is there, right from the grandparents down to the children.

Mr. Speaker, it is very visible that homeless populations are increasing in our communities, where people are living in tent frames because they have been kicked out of housing units by this government.

The housing shortage does have a very important impact, not only on the lives of the people, but it is more visible in low-income families. Lack of affordable housing accommodation also has an impact on the community to devour programs and services by employing people from outside of the community and not having staff housing available for those people.

For example, professional people such as nurses and teachers find accommodation in our communities. In most cases, they have to share that accommodation with either each other or a few of the teachers and nurses to pay the cost of acquiring these houses in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I believe this government has to add to the amount of affordable housing in our communities and not be in a position of selling off the remaining government-owned housing units in our small communities. If anything, they should be enhancing the program.

Mr. Speaker, the government has to address this important issue of housing problems. The people in the smaller communities face this challenge day in and day out. Mr. Speaker, I will be asking the Minister questions on this matter later. Thank you.

-- Applause