The finance minister says the provincial government is looking at ways to pony up in order to access increased federal funding for housing.

The federal government is promising to “end homelessness” within the next ten years, pledging $45-billion for housing and homelessness programs.

The provincial government has set its own lofty goal of building 10,000 homes in five years.

Craig Pardy welcomes the increase in federal funding for housing announced in yesterday’s budget, but understands that the province has a responsibility as well.

“Most initiatives usually result in a bilateral agreement where we would cost-share with them. So, we’re welcome to do that,” says Pardy. “Sometimes we haven’t really budgeted the amount that would be necessary, but that’s something we’ll certainly have a look at in the days ahead.”