"I have been hearing that it is already very difficult to find low-income housing in St. John’s," said Butler. "Prices in the city and surrounding areas have been steadily rising and people are experiencing problems finding affordable places to live.

"It is time for the Minister to tell us what her plan is to deal with this impending crisis. Does she plan to put in place an incentive program for private businesses or non-profit association who are building low-income housing? Has she reviewed the programs that have been successful in other cities? I want to know what is being done to deal with the problems we have today and to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

"At this point we have problems in the sense that people are living in substandard housing. Families are living in places that are run down and too small because no other affordable options exist. This problem was made even worse when this government reduced the amount it allows income support clients to have for damage deposits.

"The housing problems experienced in other cities across this country are more severe and they should be a wake up call for this government. Rather than making the problems worse we should be trying to develop policy and programs that improve the situation. The Minister at this point should be able to tell the people of this province exactly what her plan is to deal with this housing crisis developing particularly in the St. John’s and surrounding area."