Question in the House of Commons
October 16, 2006

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, for 60 years the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has helped countless Canadians become homeowners. This valuable organization, which helps Canadians achieve their dreams of owning their own homes, will soon be on the government's chopping block. There are reports that the minority Conservative government is planning to privatize CMHC, continuing the fend for yourself approach which hurts vulnerable Canadians.

Why is the mean-spirited Prime Minister so determined to cut programs that help millions of Canadians?

Hon. Diane Finley (Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, CPC): Mr. Speaker, I have to be honest with the House that it never occurred to us to privatize CMHC. Reports to the contrary are simply untrue, false, erroneous, inaccurate and downright wrong.

Hon. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, we have heard that before, so I do not take that as an answer.

Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

The Speaker: Order. We have to be able to hear the question. How is the minister going to be able to answer if we cannot hear the question? The member for York West has the floor. We will have a little more order in the House, please.

Hon. Judy Sgro: Mr. Speaker, the fact that the government is even considering such a travesty, regardless of what it says, shows how little it cares about Canadians and building our great country. Even Conservative MPs admit that affordable housing is at a critical stage in their ridings. CMHC helps Canadians enter the housing market and privatization would change an organization that currently benefits so many into one that would benefit a select few.

Home ownership is a dream for many Canadians. Why does the government want to turn it into a nightmare?

Hon. Diane Finley (Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, CPC): Mr. Speaker, as I said, reports about any privatization of CMHC are unfounded, baseless, and do not even merit discussion because they are not on the agenda.

CMHC will continue to provide over $2 billion in affordable housing assistance that will help 630,000 families right across this country.