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.

Housing

[Wade Grant, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change]

Mr. Speaker, I know my friend from York—Durham was recently in my province of British Columbia, so I hope that he had some hospitality from my friends there.

To answer the member's question, this government knows that people across the country need affordable housing, and we are taking action. Through budget 2025, we are making generational investments of $25 billion over five years for housing and $115 billion over five years for infrastructure. These strategic investments will build major infrastructure in homes and create lasting prosperity, empowering Canadians to get ahead.

This is also why the Prime Minister launched Build Canada Homes in September 2025. Build Canada Homes is a completely different way to build affordable housing for Canadians. This new federal agency will catalyze a more productive housing industry, something that sets it apart from anything done previously. On February 5, Bill C-20, an act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes, was tabled in Parliament. This legislation, if passed, would establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation.

I want to clear up some misconceptions. The hon. member for York—Durham said the $13 billion for Build Canada Homes will only result in 5,200 homes. That is not the case. Those homes represent the first investments announced by Build Canada Homes and are just the start. Build Canada Homes has a mandate to move quickly, and these homes are a demonstration of what can be done in a short amount of time. Build Canada Homes will create more affordable housing by using flexible financial tools and by leveraging public land. It will also attract funding from other governments, non-profits and the private sector. The scaling power of these investments should not be underestimated. This will allow Build Canada Homes to support thousands more affordable and market-rate units.

In the immediate term, Build Canada Homes will prioritize shovel-ready projects, building that can start within 12 months, to accelerate delivery while building capacity for long-term scale. Over time, the intention of Build Canada Homes is to focus on funding larger-scale and portfolio-based projects. These projects will deliver measurable impacts to Canada's supply of affordable housing.

Build Canada Homes will not act alone. It will work in close partnership with developers, manufacturers, provinces, territories and municipalities, as well as indigenous partners, to get housing financed and built. Our goal is to make it faster and easier for builders to get big projects off the ground and deliver homes for Canadians across the country. Build Canada Homes will partner across the housing ecosystem to drive the development of affordable housing, supporting a mix of income needs. It will catalyze modern methods of construction as part of a national effort to increase housing construction, restore affordability and reduce homelessness.

The Government of Canada is changing the way that housing is built across our country and improving affordability for Canadians with Build Canada Homes.

[Tako Van Popta, Conservative, Langley Township—Fraser Heights, BC]

Mr. Speaker, a couple of weeks ago, I had a round of questions in question period about Canada's housing affordability crisis hitting young people particularly hard. Normally, supply meets demand, which is just economics 101, but the current real estate market is in such a state of imbalance that the new homes that buyers want and can afford are just not being built. That was the basis of my question.

I noted that despite demand, CMHC was reporting a reduction in new housing starts over the next few years. The response I received was that we should just support the Liberals' housing plans, which are the ones that have been missing the mark and causing all the problems in the first place.

I was directed to Bill C-20, the Build Canada Homes act, which a couple of sitting days later I actually had the opportunity to speak to. I am not going to repeat that speech, but I will highlight a couple of quotes from Professor Friedrich Hayek, the 20th-century free market economist of the classical liberal tradition.

I noted, and will note again, that the current Liberal Party has abandoned classical liberal economics and replaced it with central planning socialism. This is why I quoted Friedrich Hayek, because he spent a good part of his academic life attacking central planning socialism and pointing out its weaknesses. He said, “The beauty of the market lies in its ability to coordinate actions without requiring omniscience.” He also said, “No single mind can comprehend the complexity of modern economic activity—only a decentralized process can manage it.”

The Liberals used to believe that, but they do not anymore. They have become central planning socialists. They think that they are, in the professor's words, the “omniscience” or the single mind that can comprehend the complexity of modern economic activity. They think that just one more little tweak or a little adjustment to our comprehensive plans, one new bureaucracy, and the problem will be solved and the market will start to behave the way they think it should behave.

The Liberals have failed so far, and they will continue to fail until they understand that the best thing they can do is to just get out of the way of the free market and let the market decide how it is going to be. The answer is not another bureaucracy and not an over-regulated economy. It is just to let the market behave the way it should. Do they agree with that?

Business of the House

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I think we will have to ask CPAC which of the two of us more people tune in to see, because both of us, as the member well knows, tend to be very lovable and appreciated by all Canadians as we talk about the Thursday question.

I will say, in response to my hon. friend, that we will be coming back next sitting week to Bill C-9, which I know was a solemn election commitment by his party as well as mine. I know we all look forward to protecting community centres, temples, synagogues and mosques in Canada. These are obviously important things, especially as we watch the conflict in the Middle East.

We will continue the debate at third reading of Bill C‑13, an act to implement the protocol on the accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Tomorrow, we will resume debate at second reading of Bill C‑20, an act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes.

As I said, when we return from our constituency week, on Monday, March 23, priority will be given to the very important Bill C-9, the combatting hate act, and of course Bill C-8, the cybersecurity legislation, which is essential for Canada in these days of online risks.

Finally, Tuesday, March 24, shall be an allotted day.

Housing

[Jennifer McKelvie, Liberal, Ajax, ON]

Mr. Speaker, budget 2025 includes generational investments in housing and infrastructure that will accelerate housing construction and grow Canada's economy. We are taking the next step forward with the introduction of Bill C-20, the Build Canada Homes act. Now is the time to build upon the progress being made by Build Canada Homes and get homes built for Canadians across the country.

Build Canada Homes will partner across the housing ecosystem to drive the development of affordable housing. It will support a mix of income needs and catalyze a more productive housing sector. This is part of our national effort to increase housing construction, restore affordability and reduce homelessness. The government is focused on building more affordable housing while creating jobs and growing our economy at the same time.

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

Mr. Speaker, Canada's housing system is facing complex problems that require targeted solutions. Far too many Canadians, especially younger generations, are struggling to find homes they can afford. Housing costs continue to rise, while supply is not keeping pace with growing demand. In response, the Government of Canada is taking immediate action.

Budget 2025 is making generational investments of $25 billion over five years for housing and $115 billion over five years for infrastructure. These strategic investments will build major infrastructure and homes and create lasting prosperity, empowering Canadians to get ahead. That is also why the Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes.

Build Canada Homes is Canada's new federal agency with the mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada. By leveraging public lands, deploying flexible financial tools and acting as a catalyst for modern methods of construction, Build Canada Homes is driving a more productive and innovative homebuilding sector.

On February 5, Bill C-20, the Build Canada Homes act, was introduced in Parliament. This legislation, if passed, will establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation dedicated to building affordable homes in communities across the country. Build Canada Homes is accelerating delivery of the housing Canadians need, faster, smarter and more affordable.

This new agency is working in partnership with non-profits, indigenous organizations, private developers and all orders of government. Build Canada Homes will partner with builders and housing providers that are focused on long-term affordability. This includes non-profits, co-operatives, community housing providers and organizations that support a variety of housing options for Canadians. It will also work with provinces, territories, municipalities and indigenous governments to help fight homelessness by building supportive and transitional housing. Through Build Canada Homes investments, federal governments and provincial and territorial governments are partnering to deliver affordable homes to Canadians.

The Government of Canada has also made significant investments in affordable housing through programs like the affordable housing fund. As of September 2025, over 54,000 new units have been committed through the affordable housing fund. The Government of Canada has also provided an additional $1.5 billion in loans to the affordable housing fund's new construction stream. This will lead to thousands of affordable housing units being built and brings the total federal investment in the fund to approximately $16 billion. Additionally, to help new homebuyers enter the market, we are delivering savings of up to $50,000 for first-time homebuyers by cutting the GST on new homes at or under $1 million and lowering the GST on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.

The federal government, through a wide range of measures, is restoring affordability, expanding housing options and ensuring that every Canadian has a place to call home.

Business of the House

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, I cannot think of anyone better or anyone who listens more attentively and regularly to farmers than the current Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The minister, I know, will be continuing his extremely hard work in representing their interests and reassuring them about the coming planting and growing season on the Prairies. We are going to absolutely look after our farmers from coast to coast to coast, including those very hard-working farmers on the Prairies. We will, of course, be addressing this issue as we return to Parliament after the break week next week, when members will be in their constituencies serving their constituents.

This afternoon, however, we will resume debate at third reading of Bill C‑15, budget 2025 implementation act.

Tomorrow, we will begin debate at second reading of Bill S‑2, with respect to new registration entitlements.

When we return from our constituency week on Monday, March 9, we will consider Bill C-20, the Build Canada Homes act, at second reading, and on Tuesday and Wednesday, we will consider Bill C-13, an act to implement the protocol on the accession of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and Bill C-18, which would implement the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between Canada and Indonesia.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I wish you and your constituents a very good constituency week.

The Economy

[Leslie Church, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour]

Mr. Speaker, the government is squarely focused on opportunity. Opportunity means good job opportunities and affordable homes.

As members might know, Bill C-4, our bill, is in front of the Senate right now, and it would eliminate GST for first-time homebuyers on homes up to $1 million. We have a bill in front of the House right now, Bill C-20, for Build Canada Homes, because we are focused on making sure that this generation of Canadians, millennials in particular, can get into the housing market and have an affordable home to build.

The Conservatives seem to want to stall our housing agenda every step of the way. They should get on board.

Housing

[Yasir Naqvi, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development)]

Mr. Speaker, this is precisely the reason that the Prime Minister and his government are completely focused on building more homes in our country. It is why we have brought in a piece of legislation, Bill C-20, which would create Build Canada Homes, which would ensure that we build more housing across the country. That is why we have hired somebody like Ana Bailão, who has the knowledge and expertise to make this happen. We are taking concrete actions. We are not just talking about things. I am really happy to hear that there is some talk of collaboration from the opposition. That is a good sign. Let us work together to build more housing across our country.

Business of the House

[Arielle Kayabaga, Liberal, London West, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I too want to extend well wishes as everyone returns to their riding. I hope this will be an opportunity to reconnect and to answer questions that many of our constituents have.

I also want to extend my heartfelt feelings, thoughts and prayers to the grieving families in both communities: Tumbler Ridge and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. As a parent myself, I understand how tough this time is. I wish the members of Parliament who represent those areas resolve and wisdom as they navigate the days to come.

Tomorrow we will proceed with report stage and third reading of Bill C-14, the bail and sentencing reform act.

When we return from the constituency week, we will consider Bill C-20, the Build Canada Homes act, at second reading on Monday, as well as on Wednesday if needed.

I also wish to inform the House that Tuesday, February 24 shall be an allotted day.

Housing

[Yasir Naqvi, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development)]

Mr. Speaker, our big focus is to build as much housing as possible. We are going to build that housing through Build Canada Homes. We are going to build that housing on federal lands, just like in my community in Ottawa Centre where we are repurposing federal buildings. We are repurposing federal lands to build housing, and we will do that across the country.

Slogans are not going to be cut it, as we see from the opposition. Those members need to stop obstructing. They need to pass Bill C-20 so that we can start building housing across this land.

[Leslie Church, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour]

Mr. Speaker, I wish the Conservatives knew more about construction, but it seems what they know about is obstruction.

If these Conservatives cared about building homes for young Canadians, they would pass the two bills we have before the House right now. They would pass the budget implementation act and they would pass the Build Canada Homes act, because those are the tools that are getting shovels in the ground right across Canada for the next generation of young Canadians who need affordable homes.

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

Mr. Speaker, there is more good news. Build Canada Homes is delivering affordable housing for Canadians. In just 100 days, it has secured landmark agreements with provinces and cities, and advanced building on six federal lands. It is lining up thousands of affordable homes with shovels in the ground very soon. Over the past month alone, it has projects under way in Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario, and it is setting forth on delivering 7,500 new homes. This is how we catalyze a new homebuilding industry.

Keep the momentum going. Support the Build Canada Homes act.

Opposition Motion—Serious crimes and refugee claims

[James Maloney, Liberal, Etobicoke—Lakeshore, ON]

Mr. Speaker, I assume the member is talking about the opposition motion because what we are debating here is a motion, not a bill. Since he was careful to correct people on their use of language, I thought I would return the favour.

I have expressed my views very clearly. I think the motion before the House is a form of obstruction in itself, because if we go through all of these pieces of legislation, Bill C-2, Bill C-8, Bill C-12, Bill C-14 and Bill C-16, they are addressing the very issues that Canadians are clamouring for and that the member and his colleagues are clamouring for.

I will repeat: Please help us get the legislation passed like we did with Bill C-14.

[Ruby Sahota, Liberal, Brampton North—Caledon, ON]

Madam Speaker, one thing we could do is maybe, on unanimous consent, pass Bill C-2, which contains measures of lawful access that police across this country have been asking for in order to crack down on extortion cases.

It is really essential, as technology evolves, that police also have the tools to deal with modern crimes and extortion, which is done through computers and telephones. They need to be able to connect these numbers and IP addresses. Without that, we are tying the hands of police behind their backs.

Business of the House

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, that is a lot to digest. I think all Canadians will appreciate this metaphor at this time of year. If I hear the faint sound of the ice cracking in the wall of Conservative obstruction that this Parliament has encountered, the obstruction of our criminal law legislation, the obstruction of the Prime Minister's economic plan to bring $1 trillion of investment and to build Canada strong, if what I hear is the faint sound of that dam cracking, that means that spring might be on its way and the opposition may put down their tools of obstruction and join us in building our country strong.

In the meantime, this afternoon we will continue with debate on the opposition motion brought forward by the Bloc Québécois.

Tomorrow, we will have the debate on the Standing Orders and procedure pursuant to Standing Order 51, a very hotly awaited moment in the parliamentary calendar.

On Monday of next week, we will call Bill C-10, an act respecting the commissioner for modern treaty implementation, at second reading.

I would also like to inform all hon. members that next Tuesday and Thursday shall be allotted days.

On Wednesday, we will begin second reading of Bill C-20, an act respecting the establishment of Build Canada Homes, tabled earlier this morning by my hon. colleague, the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

Finally, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:

That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House, at the conclusion of Oral Questions on Friday, February 6, 2026, the House observe a moment of silence for the late Honourable Kirsty Duncan, and that afterwards, a member of each of the recognized parties, a member of the New Democratic Party and the member of the Green Party each be permitted to make a statement for no more than five minutes to pay tribute, and that the time taken for these proceedings shall be added to the time provided for Government Orders.