Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The harmonization initiative was originally conceived to resolve the differences between the way two departments of this government assessed income and thereby setting rents for people in public housing.

The harmonization initiative has been underway for two years now, Mr. Speaker. Every person who receives income assistance or is living in public housing will be affected by changes that are to be implemented under the harmonization strategy.

People who live in public housing include low-income working people and seniors on fixed incomes.

Mr. Speaker, this government has announced that those changes will take place on April 1st of this year. The problem is that we do not seem to know what the changes will be.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we know that some people will see rent decreases and some will see increases, but even the people who will be affected by these changes are telling us that they do not know what this means. How much will their rent be?

Mr. Speaker, the Minister has stated that the corporation is looking at asking for a deferral on the implementation date. The department responsible for implementation of the harmonization changes is still working to orientate their employees on how rent will be set for housing units and how income will be assessed for those tenants.

Apparently, this is not a simple process, Mr. Speaker. The people who are employed to calculate how much rent is going to be charged are struggling with the details. How then, Mr. Speaker, is a tenant supposed to get any information about the proposed changes?

Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that the harmonization strategy is ready for implementation in its current state. Until this government knows what the implications are going to be and until the details are known, and until the tenants know exactly where they are going to stand, I urge the Minister to reconsider this initiative and how it is being rolled out. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

-- Applause