Caroline Desrochers

Madam Speaker, we are working hard with the premiers of all of the provinces and territories, across party lines, to build a stronger economy. Because of this co-operation, this summer, we were able to launch the Churchill Falls project, which will save Quebec taxpayers $200 billion and create 23,000 jobs. Other examples include the Davie shipyard, which will create 5,000 jobs, and the Via Rail project that is being carried out by Alstom in La Pocatière, which will create 700 jobs. We are investing in housing and infrastructure to create tens of thousands of jobs. We are there for working Canadians and Quebeckers. That is why they elected us.

Madam Speaker, I would like to set the record straight and get back to the facts. Yes, the economic situation is difficult. Yes, we live in a volatile world. I would point out, however, that housing construction has increased, including in Montreal. Rents have dropped across Canada. We have signed agreements with Quebec to build 4,000 housing units. We recently launched the Canada rental protection fund to protect our affordable housing stock. When it comes to affordability and to helping Quebeckers and Canadians, the truth is that the Conservatives vote against every affordability measure we propose. It is hard to take what they are saying seriously.

Madam Speaker, we recognize that we are going through a period of economic volatility and uncertainty. However, our government is choosing to invest in our economy, in our families and in our workers. Since this summer, we have announced hundreds of projects and investments, including some in my colleague's riding. These projects will create jobs. We have signed agreements with Quebec for the Davie shipyard, the Contrecoeur terminal and Churchill Falls. We are there for Canadians and Quebeckers.

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we are interested in actual facts. Here are the facts: The cost of housing has fallen for 24 consecutive months, and housing construction has increased. We have reached agreements across Canada to lower the cost of housing and build more affordable housing. We created the Canada rental protection fund. Just this morning, we launched a $2-billion fund for climate-friendly renovations to reduce families' expenses by up to $1,400 per year. That is meaningful action. The truth is that members opposite do not have a plan, other than to have the government abdicate all responsibility toward its citizens.

Mr. Speaker, the truth is that we have an ambitious plan. The homelessness crisis is a national crisis that we are taking seriously. We are in contact with the people on the ground, with the municipal and provincial authorities. That is why there is at least $1 billion, at a minimum, in Build Canada Homes that will go toward transitional housing. Obviously we need the provinces to come to the table with support measures for mental health and addiction and all that. We are at the table. We are there for Canadians.