June 4, 1940 (19th Parliament, 1st Session)

Mr. HANSON (York-Sunbury):

I will admit at once that I have not been able to build a figure up to that sum. But I recall that we start with nearly a billion dollars, and direct expenditures by dominion, provincial and municipal authorities constitute two-thirds of the total amount. I have not before me, although no doubt the minister has, the total of the money expended by this dominion under the National Housing Act- which may, of course, and we all hope will, come back to the treasury. The home improvement plan, the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act, and expenditures by the dominion on public works, having in view relief, must have been very substantial, at least $250,000,000. While I do not know the amount, it has been very large, having regard to all the relief which we have advanced to the railways and other authorities for that purpose, some of which money, of course, should come back.