Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during the past few weeks, we have heard considerable discussion regarding the implementation of the harmonization of the income support and public housing programs. Some Members have made comments suggesting that changes should be made to the initiative, others have encouraged us to move ahead with the planned April 1st implementation.

My Cabinet colleagues and I have given consideration to the comments that have been made in this House and to the comments of the Standing Committee on Social Programs.

This morning Cabinet agreed to proceed with the implementation of the harmonization initiative on April 1st of this year. We feel that the initiative is important and that the result of the planned changes will be positive.

However, we have also listened carefully to the comments that have been made. As a result, we have made an important change to our plans. This change will mean that seniors living in public housing on April 1, 2003, will not have their incomes assessed for rent purposes. In other words, Mr. Speaker, seniors currently living in public housing will continue to be treated in a similar manner to the way they are treated now.

Mr. Speaker, the harmonization initiative is an important activity for this government. It will result in a consistent rent scale and improved equity in benefits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause