Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (English not provided) Mr. Speaker, my Member’s statement today concerns a serious issue in my riding, the reinstatement of the 1995 rent scale increase scheduled for April 1, 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I am not opposed to the rent increase; however, I am opposed to the current rent scale increase to the 90 percent mark for this year and the 100 percent mark for next year. I believe this is set too high and does not allow people to adapt to the policy and the new financial obligations.

I propose the rent increase be phased in at the 75 percent mark this year and the 100 percent mark next year. This is more of an appropriate increase.

Mr. Speaker, I am also concerned with available housing programs tied into the rent scale policy. People have been given notice of increased rents and alternatives accessible to them. However, I believe the corporation is trying to push people into their programs and is not providing adequate and thorough information to make effective decisions. Although there is a current counselling campaign in place, it appears ineffective in communicating the necessary information to their clients. Clients are confused and scared and do require effective counselling in order to make an appropriate decision that will affect the rest of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, as it stands now, people who will be paying higher rent and are not used to it may find themselves quickly in arrears. People who have high income and who are no longer entitled to subsidized housing will have to find alternative housing. However, if they owe any arrears, they are not entitled to any Housing Corporation programs.

Mr. Speaker, I hope the Minister can understand the implications of this situation to my constituents and will consider a more phased-in approach to the rental scale increases and deliver a more effective counselling campaign. It seems ludicrous to implement a policy on such short notice expecting people to pay higher rents, purchase their homes, or pay up all of their arrears within a few months without any serious impacts to social housing clients. Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause