Debates of June 11th, 2025

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, I am not clear on what the member is asking through that question. If he could clarify—

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Kmiec]

The hon. member.

[Jason Groleau, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Chair, the program represents 25% of all construction in Canada. I am rather surprised that the minister cannot answer my questions.

Is it an inflationary program, yes or no?

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, as far as I know, this is not an inflationary program.

[Jason Groleau, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Chair, given the CMHC's poor performance when it comes to costs, delays and red tape, will the minister cut bonuses for CMHC executives?

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, CMHC has been very successful in rolling out programs, particularly over the past 12 months, with very expedited funding for affordable housing across Canada.

[Jason Groleau, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Chair, I will help the minister answer. It takes six months to process applications, financing up to 95% is available and the maximum amortization period is 50 years. Furthermore, if owners raise their tenants' rent, then they get more funding under this program. Yes, it is an inflationary program.

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, our focus is on building affordable housing. The MLI select program is working right now. We are going to focus on building more affordable housing.

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Kmiec]

The hon. member has time for a quick question.

[Jason Groleau, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Mr. Chair, there are many programs that focus on big cities. Does the minister think that we need to invest more in the regions?

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, I understood the member's question to be whether rural areas are served by this program. That is correct.

[Ned Kuruc, Conservative, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Chair, through you to the hon. minister, what is his definition of affordable housing?

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada]

Mr. Chair, I think the general definition of affordable is that it is less than 30% of people's income.

[Ned Kuruc, Conservative, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Chair, when the hon. minister created the Vancouver affordable housing agency, he promised 500 units. How many were delivered?

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, I am proud of the work the Vancouver affordable housing agency did in catalyzing thousands of units across the city. That is why I am focused now, here in the federal government, on delivering on behalf of all of Canada.

[Ned Kuruc, Conservative, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Chair, 40 were built. Do you consider that a success?

[The Chair, Conservative, Tom Kmiec]

The member must go through the Chair.

The hon. minister.

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, I think the member opposite has the facts all wrong. He can check the City of Vancouver website for data on the affordable housing delivered.

[Ned Kuruc, Conservative, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Through you, Mr. Chair, does the hon. minister know what the average cost of a home in Hamilton is?

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, I am sure the member already has the answer to the question being asked, or he would not be asking it.

[Ned Kuruc, Conservative, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Through you, Mr. Chair, I know I am just a rookie here, a simple guy from Hamilton who made it to Parliament, but I was told that we ask the questions and the minister answers them. I want to know if he knows the answer. Again, does he know what the average cost of a home in Hamilton is?

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, I would say, whether it is Hamilton or Vancouver, we need to bring the overall cost of housing down and do that by building affordable housing.

[Ned Kuruc, Conservative, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Chair, the answer is $790,000. Does the hon. minister consider that affordable?

[Gregor Robertson, Liberal, Vancouver Fraserview—South Burnaby, BC]

Mr. Chair, that is not affordable to many Canadians. That is why we need to build more affordable housing and look for the support from the members opposite.

[Ned Kuruc, Conservative, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON]

Mr. Chair, does the hon. minister know what the average rent for a one bedroom is in Hamilton?