Tuesday, November 19, 2002
Question in the House of Commons

Urban Communities

Ms. Judy Sgro (York West, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, in the recent Speech from the Throne the Government of Canada states "Competitive cities and healthy communities are vital to our individual and national well-being".

With the tabling of the final report of the Prime Minister's caucus task force on urban issues, could the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs tell the House how the government will ensure our urban regions remain competitive and sustainable to meet the challenges in the 21st century?

Hon. Stéphane Dion (President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, thanks to the 18 months of hard work and intensive consultations done by the members of the Prime Minister's task force on urban issues, ably chaired by the member for York West, Parliament, the government and all Canadians will know more on how to deal with some tremendous challenges for the quality of life for Canadians living in urban municipalities.

The government, in particular, will find interest in the report's insight to fulfil its commitments to housing and homeless programs, and this will be done in collaboration with the provinces.