Bill C-20

Build Canada Homes Act

An Act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes

This enactment establishes Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation. The purpose of Build Canada Homes is to promote, support and develop the supply of affordable housing in Canada and to promote innovative and efficient building techniques in the housing construction sector in Canada. The enactment, among other things,
(a) sets out the powers of Build Canada Homes and its governance framework;
(b) authorizes the Minister of Finance to make payments out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to fund the operations and activities of Build Canada Homes; and
(c) provides that the Governor in Council may transfer to Build Canada Homes the property, rights, interests and obligations held by any Crown corporation or subsidiary of a Crown corporation and may issue directives for measures to be taken in relation to the reorganization of Canada Lands Company Limited or any of its subsidiaries.
It also includes transitional provisions, makes a consequential amendment to the Financial Administration Act and contains coordinating amendments.

Build Canada Homes Act

[Gabriel Ste-Marie, Bloc, Joliette—Manawan, QC]

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend for her question. This is an ongoing issue. We have seen it. In this case, we are talking about Build Canada Homes. What will the delays be? The government must take quick action, in collaboration with Quebec through a memorandum of understanding, so that every dollar voted in the budget gets out the door as quickly as possible.

We know that the cost of building housing is skyrocketing. A one-year delay represents a very significant percentage increase, and it is even worse for a two- or three-year delay. What we have seen in recent years is that, for Quebec, federal programs administered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation take years to make an impact. A dollar voted in year one could end up only getting out the door in year three, four or even five.

However, the same dollar that was invested in year one will buy much less lumber and fewer doors and windows in years three, four or five. That money will therefore build far fewer homes, all because an agreement had to be reached, details needed to be negotiated and so on. Plus, there is the issue of red tape. That is why the Bloc Québécois has always said that areas of jurisdiction must be respected. When a dollar is earmarked for something, it must be sent directly to the provinces so that it can be put to use as quickly as possible.

The need is there. With prices rising sharply due to inflation, the faster the dollar is spent, the more we get for our money. I would like to thank my colleague once again for her insightful remarks highlighting the needs of the FQM and the UMQ.

[Roman Baber, Conservative, York Centre, ON]

Madam Speaker, I ask colleagues to look at what, essentially, this bill is doing. It would create a fourth housing bureaucracy. We already have a ministry of housing, the CMHC and the Canada Lands Company, which is based in the great riding of York Centre. Now the Liberal government is saying that we need another layer, a fourth layer of bureaucracy, to build homes in Canada, which is the primary purpose of the legislation we are debating.

I am wondering where the Bloc stands on that. Will the Bloc support the Conservative suggestion that we do not need a fourth housing bureaucracy to build homes?

[Gabriel Ste-Marie, Bloc, Joliette—Manawan, QC]

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his insightful comments. The government's intention is to create a new structure to reduce red tape and bureaucracy and to consolidate services that were scattered across various departments and agencies. Like my colleague, I am cautious. Will the government really succeed in simplifying the process and reducing bureaucracy? That remains to be seen.

Given that housing and affordable housing are provincial responsibilities, what we are asking is that the funds be transferred directly to the provincial governments so that the money gets out the door faster and more housing can be built more quickly, as I have said several times.

[Jennifer McKelvie, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure]

Madam Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member of Parliament for Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park.

I appreciate the opportunity to appear here today to speak in support of the Build Canada Homes act. This landmark legislation would establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation dedicated to building and expanding access to more affordable homes in Canada.

Over time, Canada's housing needs have evolved. While federal efforts have been delivered through a range of departments, agencies and programs, there is an opportunity to strengthen coordination and impact. Traditional construction and funding approaches alone are not meeting the scale and speed Canadians need, which is why we are moving forward with a new and innovative approach. All Canadians deserve an affordable place to call home. Housing is a fundamental need and growing demand for housing across the country requires urgent action.

Build Canada Homes was created to act quickly and efficiently. This legislation would give Build Canada Homes the flexibility and operational autonomy to deliver on its mandate. It would streamline federal housing efforts by bringing these roles under one umbrella. At the same time, it would maintain a clear accountability framework to government and would strengthen collaboration across the housing sector to deliver the affordable housing at a scale and pace that Canadians need. Build Canada Homes would act as a developer, a financier, a coordinator and a catalyst for innovation in the housing sector.

I would like to use my time today to speak about the importance of partnerships. Build Canada Homes has a central position in forging strong partnerships across all levels of government and with indigenous communities. It works with non-profit agencies, as well as key stakeholders in the housing industry, to drive the development of affordable housing across Canada. This includes private developers and community organizations.

Build Canada Homes cannot act alone. The success of its achievements lies in its partnerships. Stronger collaboration across all levels of government and with key partners is essential to tackling the housing challenges facing Canadians.

Build Canada Homes streamlines and accelerates the launch of affordable housing projects. The agency attracts public, private and philanthropic investment, maximizing impact. The Build Canada Homes act would make it easier to develop partnerships across the entire housing ecosystem to bring together the right financing and the right projects. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes would combine access to federal lands, development expertise and flexible financial tools under one roof. It would accelerate the delivery of affordable housing, working with non-profits, indigenous organizations and all orders of government. This approach would reduce risk, address barriers and guide projects through the development process.

Build Canada Homes would also work in close partnership with developers, investors and manufacturers to get housing financed and built. It would work directly with builders and housing providers who are focused on long-term affordability. This includes non-profits, co-operatives, community housing providers or organizations that promote a variety of housing options for Canadians. These strategic partnerships would create homes that are affordable for a range of households across the income spectrum.

Build Canada Homes would be well equipped to collaborate with all levels of government and community partners through agreements, financial support, joint ventures and shared development initiatives. It would look for strong collaboration and coordination with provinces and territories who would help advance priority projects. This could include providing land, accelerating the approval process and waiving applicable fees.

Indigenous peoples face unique housing challenges. Build Canada Homes would collaborate on proposals that would deliver shared housing outcomes with first nations, Inuit and Métis governments, indigenous housing providers, and urban indigenous organizations. The housing needs of indigenous communities would be met in the spirit of collaboration. The Government of Canada respects indigenous sovereignty and supports self-determined housing solutions that are designed and delivered with an indigenous-led perspective. Our indigenous partners know how to incorporate indigenous knowledge and culture and adopt housing solutions in a way that enables their communities to thrive. Build Canada Homes is committed to building in full partnership with indigenous peoples and advancing indigenous housing priorities.

We are also working very closely with our provincial partners. Since its launch, Build Canada Homes has moved quickly to get housing projects off the ground. The Government of Canada has identified public lands that can be converted into housing. We have partnered with local governments to cut the red tape and to fast-track approvals.

In January alone, we moved forward with two major points of progress through Build Canada Homes. The Government of Canada, the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated have signed an agreement in principle. It would deliver up to 750 much-needed homes across the territory, including public, affordable and supportive housing. Through the agreement, Build Canada Homes would provide up to $250 million towards this investment.

Importantly, as part of this new partnership, up to 30% of units would be built using innovative, factory-built components. Using off-site, factory-built components would help reduce delays and deliver homes faster. The first units are expected to be completed in the very near future.

As well, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec have signed a memorandum of agreement to guide their collaboration on Build Canada Homes projects. This partnership would accelerate approvals and help to identify additional housing projects across Quebec. It would also be critical for unlocking funding for affordable housing to be invested in communities across the province.

Through Build Canada Homes, all levels of government are coming together to address the housing crisis. We would increase the supply of affordable housing and reduce the barriers to construction through a structured and collaborative approach. With private, public and government partners showing up at the table, we would get housing built. Growing and strengthening partnerships is an integral aspect of building homes for Canadians. By combining resources and finding innovative solutions alongside its partners, Build Canada Homes is laying the groundwork for lasting solutions.

The Build Canada Homes act would formally establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation with a clear mandate. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes would have the operational independence, governance and flexibility needed to deliver affordable housing at scale. The legislation would allow Build Canada Homes to operate at arm's length from government, manage assets and innovative financial tools, and make long-term investment decisions more efficiently. This structure would also enable Build Canada Homes to enter into partnerships that would expand housing supply. This would include partnerships with non-profits, private developers and all orders of government, including indigenous communities.

It would reinforce Build Canada Homes's role as a permanent, delivery-focused institution rather than a time-limited program. The Build Canada Homes act would strengthen Build Canada Homes' ability to establish and maintain strong relationships across the housing ecosystem. This is the power of partnership: implementing lasting change. We are working together to build a strong and more unified approach to housing across the country.

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Madam Speaker, I appreciate my colleague's sense of commitment, realizing that the federal government does have a role to play. I am wondering if she could provide her thoughts and the government's perspective in terms of the importance of working with other levels of government. I think of Winnipeg's mayor and the Province of Manitoba's premier, all of whom seem to be very supportive of our Prime Minister and the federal government's approach to dealing with the housing situation.

Can the member provide her thoughts in regard to how important it is that the federal government work with our partners?

[Jennifer McKelvie, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Madam Speaker, importantly, we realize that municipalities are our partners and that we need to work together to advance housing in municipalities from coast to coast to coast. We have exciting partnerships under way, including right here in Ottawa. Canada's new government has secured a new partnership with the City of Ottawa to build 3,000 mixed income and affordable housing units across the city beginning this year. We have innovative partnerships under way with Nova Scotia and with Quebec.

We are working from coast to coast to coast to find those partners that are committed to building housing at a pace and scale that has never been seen before. I will give an example of how it can be done. For supportive housing, municipal partners can bring forward the land, we can bring forward the capital and the provinces can bring forward that important operational funding.

[Scott Aitchison, Conservative, Parry Sound—Muskoka, ON]

Madam Speaker, my colleague is a former deputy mayor of the city of Toronto, which is one of the most expensive cities in the country to build a home in. I am sure she is quite familiar with how much cost the local government and the city add to the cost of every new home. I am wondering if she might be able to speak to the cost of government, particularly at the local level, and if she sees a way for the government to do things like reducing the cost of government on the cost of a new home.

[Jennifer McKelvie, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Madam Speaker, I am delighted to speak to my previous role as deputy mayor in the city of Toronto. Working alongside partners, we passed an ambitious plan for affordable housing in the city of Toronto. We also passed rules to allow multiplexes across the city and multitenant homes. We cut down on red tape. We improved zoning so that it made it easier to build. We also transformed the way we do processes so permits and approvals can be done faster.

We have shown what can be possible. We are rolling that out in agreements from municipality to municipality from coast to coast to coast, and I look forward to working with all our municipal partners in that regard.

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC]

Madam Speaker, we are experiencing the worst housing crisis in decades, and the government is boasting that it is going to create a new entity called Build Canada Homes.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer says that Build Canada Homes will create a mere 26,000 new homes, when 690,000 are needed. Does anyone on that side of the House know how to count? I thought the Prime Minister was supposed to be a financial expert.

The government is not even addressing 5% of the crisis. Is there any plan to even pretend that the government is working on the crisis, or is the plan more to manipulate public opinion into believing that the Liberals are really good?

[Jennifer McKelvie, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Madam Speaker, establishing Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation provides the legal and operational flexibility and autonomy needed to deliver on its mandate while maintaining a clear accountability framework to government. It allows Build Canada Homes to hold assets independently, to invest and to engage in complex financial transactions.

Build Canada Homes is designed to do more than just fund individual projects; it is a new way of doing business. Its goal is to unlock opportunities across the country by partnering with the market to identify and develop high-impact housing solutions.

[Leah Gazan, NDP, Winnipeg Centre, MB]

Madam Speaker, I know the Liberal government is talking about Build Canada Homes, but one of the problems with the program is that there is actually no allocation for funding reserved for housing that has rent geared to income. On one hand the Liberals complain about encampments, but then they leave the most marginalized people, the ones who are in the most need of housing and who are the most housing-insecure, out of the program.

I am wondering if my hon. colleague can explain why the government made that omission.

[Jennifer McKelvie, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Madam Speaker, we are very much committed to transitional and supportive housing. There is a $1-billion allocation through Build Canada Homes in that regard. We look forward to partners bringing forward land. We will bring forward capital, and we need to rely on the provinces for that much-needed operational support.

[Karim Bardeesy, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry]

Madam Speaker, I am delighted to speak on behalf of and in support of the bill, which is already delivering results in my riding of Taiaiko'n—Parkdale—High Park. I want to speak specifically about the Parkdale neighbourhood in my riding, an area that has welcomed newcomers, including people fleeing persecution and violence, and people who have mental health challenges, for decades. It is a place that used to host the more wealthy residents of downtown Toronto when it was a country retreat, and then it became a place to welcome people from around the world. Parkdale is a little corner of the community, bordered by Dufferin Street, Roncesvalles, Queen Street and King Street.

The population of the Parkdale neighbourhood of our community actually went down between 2016 and 2021. This is because we had areas of the neighbourhood in particular, such as larger mansions that had been multiresident residences, that were being turned into single-family homes. That, combined with the health needs, the needs of immigrants and refugees, and the needs of artists in our community, really created a challenge for the people in our riding, including the people in Parkdale. Government working side by side with the social sector in the kind of partnership my colleague mentioned has delivered and is delivering results.

I just want to mention a few projects that are happening right now and are funded right now thanks to Build Canada Homes and the other programs that are in place thanks to the current government. Dunn House, which my colleague, the Minister of Housing, already mentioned, has 51 rent-geared-to-income units; there is $14 million through the rapid housing initiative, with Fred Victor and University Health Network as partners. It is changing the lives of 51 residents who have health needs and complex needs, delivering wraparound housing supports and health care supports.

We are already building another project right around the corner at 11 Brock Avenue, which has 42 rent-geared-to-income units and $21.6 million with the Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre as the delivery partner through federal government funding. There is Green Phoenix II, also in Parkdale, with 92 new affordable units, with $14.6 million and Parkdale United Church Foundation as a partner. I announced just last month with my colleagues the second edition of Dunn House in the same neighbourhood in Parkdale as Dunn House phase one, with 54 rent-geared-to-income units focused on seniors who have complex health needs, at $21.6 million, with the University Health Network.

These are projects that are happening through a multiplicity of funds and a number of initiatives. Dunn House phase two is a project of Build Canada Homes. When I hear from the other side that there is too much bureaucracy, I say come to Parkdale and see the progress we are making right now with these institutions and with these different kinds of funds. When I hear from the other side that we are not going fast enough, I say come to Parkdale and see the housing that is being built now, is under construction, as well as the housing that is being promised.

When I hear that this kind of format is about bureaucracy, I say come to Parkdale. Come and learn from the residents of Dunn House, who have experienced a 52% reduction in emergency department visits and a 79% drop in hospital bed days. There is $2.1 million in projected annual cost savings. Come to Parkdale; come and meet the residents of these facilities, of these dignified housing opportunities, which bring housing, health care and food, with the whole community in support.

Build Canada Homes is building Parkdale strong. Parkdale is an integral part of our community. I am very much looking forward to the new projects that are being proposed within my community all along Queen West and the Queensway, such as the Parkdale People's Place project, the Parkdale Queen West Community Health Centre project and the Swansea Mews project. All these housing projects are being developed right now to provide the kind of housing we need in our community, in Parkdale, to bring a dignified life, economic opportunity and jobs.

When I hear that there is something wrong about this approach of a new institution, I say come to Parkdale; come see how the funds are flowing right now in our community and are building housing, bringing jobs, bringing dignity and connecting people to the services they need. Come see how the whole community, inspired by and being able to access these funds, is using the funds and the opportunities to build housing, to help people build new lives for each other, and to bring the kind of safety and security that all of us in our neighbourhoods and communities need.

[Maxime Blanchette-Joncas, Bloc, Rimouski—La Matapédia, QC]

Madam Speaker, the government is saying that it wants to solve crises. However, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the crisis will not be solved because the government's actions are inadequate.

The government wants to build 26,000 new housing units although we need 690,000. Allow me to explain it to my colleagues who are good at math on the other side. This means that it is addressing only 5% of the crisis. The Parliamentary Budget Officer says that the contribution of Build Canada Homes will be modest.

Is my colleague really interested in solving the crisis, or is he just doing PR?

[Karim Bardeesy, Liberal, Taiaiako'n—Parkdale—High Park, ON]

Madam Speaker, this will change lives. For instance, there will be 51 homes that are part of the Dunn House project, 42 homes at 11 Brock Avenue and 92 homes that are part of the Green Phoenix II project. That is not a story. It is not PR. Lives are being changed.

I think that every member of the House has a duty to stand up for their community and to ensure that the funds allocated to Build Canada Homes in the budget go to their community.