My statement today is dealing with the new housing rollout, the new housing program that
was implemented in regard to CARE, HELP, PATH and STEP. I think it’s important to realize that it is a rollout. A lot of members in my constituency have raised concerns in regard to accessing these programs and services and also being informed on what the status of their applications is.
I think it’s important that we ensure that we do have ongoing dialogue with our constituents, homeowners and people applying for programs. But more importantly, I think there’s a time for us to consider looking at implementing a program that allows communities to deliver these programs and services within their communities and through the regional centres. I know an effort was made in the previous government by implementing community liaison officer positions to assist in explaining programs and services, to help with maintenance of programs. But again, even the elders fall through the cracks when it comes to assisting them with the maintenance program to ensure that they can continue to remain in their homes.
I for one feel that this government has to have a reporting mechanism — either publicly, through the newspapers, or even through this House — on where the programs and services we deliver are, what the income of those programs is, what the status is of these programs, but more importantly, who is accessing these programs.
At the appropriate time I will be asking the Minister Responsible for the Housing Corporation, who is responsible for this, exactly what they are doing to not only educate the public but to also make this program more publicly sound and ensure the public is involved in the layout of this program and also able to access these programs.