Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles.
I am pleased to have this opportunity to discuss the Government of Canada's Build Canada Homes act, specifically the importance that Build Canada Homes has in relation to supporting the Canadian economy and the federal government's buy Canadian policy.
Since September of 2025, Build Canada Homes has been a special operating agency within Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. Working quickly and efficiently, this new federal agency has already made significant progress to deliver more affordable housing for Canadians. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes would have the flexibility and operational autonomy to deliver on its mandate, all while maintaining a clear accountability framework to Parliament. That is why the Build Canada Homes act is landmark legislation.
The Government of Canada needs to strengthen its capacity to address Canada's housing crisis, improve housing supply and accelerate innovation in homebuilding. Far too many Canadians are struggling to find a home they can afford. Housing costs are creating havoc, and productivity in the construction sector is low.
Traditional construction and funding approaches alone are not delivering the scale or speed Canadians need. Build Canada Homes will centralize functions that were previously spread across multiple departments, agencies and programs that limited the government's ability to have maximum impact. It will act as a developer, a financier, a convenor and a catalyst for a more productive homebuilding sector. Canadians need more homes, and the Build Canada Homes act would help make it possible to build more quickly, more efficiently and at the scale that is required.
The global trade landscape is rapidly changing. In response, we are building a more resilient and more independent Canadian economy. At the core of this strategy is an ambitious plan to construct nation-building projects, more affordable homes and stronger local infrastructure. We are forging strong relationships among all levels of government, municipal, territorial and provincial, and with indigenous partners. We are making strategic investments to build a stronger, more sustainable economy that works towards cutting red tape, eliminating barriers to international trade and making new deals that will drive local economies. This will in turn require a strong skilled trades workforce.
That is why, on April 29, as part of the spring economic update, the Prime Minister announced team Canada strong. This is a $6-billion nationwide effort that will recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trade workers in the next five years. Team Canada strong will transform the skilled trades and bring more apprentices into the workforce. It will ensure that young Canadians are ready to build the housing and infrastructure that we need. It will create new jobs, good careers and strengthen Canada's future workforce.
The Government of Canada is taking decisive action now, making Canada's economy one of the fastest-growing and most competitive in the world and ushering in a new era of economic security and prosperity for Canadians. The Government of Canada, also building on the solid foundation of strong industries, will do so by promoting the buy Canadian policy.
As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes would be funded through the initial envelope of $13 billion that was announced in budget 2025. It is designed to bring federal supports for affordable housing together in one place, working in tandem with other government departments and organizations. It would move quickly to leverage federal land, support innovative building approaches and partner broadly across sectors to deliver affordable homes.
Build Canada Homes is a key part of Canada's new industrial strategy, driving a more productive homebuilding sector. Build Canada Homes will prioritize projects that use Canadian-made materials such as mass timber, lumber, steel and aluminum. It will promote modern construction methods such as modular and prefabricated housing to reduce build times, material waste and environmental impact.
The federal government is leveraging key stakeholder relationships with private developers, businesses and community and not-for-profit organizations, as well as with other government and indigenous partners. By working together, we are creating job opportunities here at home and supporting the Canadian workforce. Together, we are building stronger communities and a stronger Canada.
The Government of Canada introduced a new buy Canadian policy framework, effective as of December 16, 2025. The policy leverages federal investments by prioritizing Canadian domestic suppliers, content and materials to help make Canada's economy stronger, more resilient to global shocks and better able to support Canadian workers and businesses. The policy is comprehensive, covering not only direct purchasing but also the breadth of federal investments. It is being applied by federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations.
Build Canada Homes adheres to the Government of Canada's buy Canadian policy. It will do so by strengthening domestic supply chains, and every new home will mean more demand for Canadian steel, lumber and aluminum, helping workers and businesses thrive. The buy Canadian policy also provides flexibility and a framework for recognizing the provinces and territories, which may also apply their similar standards. These changes to procurement rules will help Canadian industries become more self-sufficient and resilient to changes in the global economy.
The buy Canadian policy supports strategic sectors, such as the Canadian construction and defence industries, and it applies to projects such as buildings, bridges, aircraft parts and much more. It requires that large federal construction and defence purchases use Canadian-produced steel, aluminum and wood products.
The Government of Canada is also increasing economic opportunities for first nation, Inuit and Métis businesses. Through the federal procurement process, federal departments and agencies are required to ensure that a minimum of 5% of the total value of contracts be held by indigenous businesses. This includes businesses owned and operated by elder, band and tribal councils; businesses registered in the Government of Canada's indigenous business directory; or businesses registered on a modern treaty beneficiary business list.
Through the new buy Canadian policy, we are making the government a force of nation building, becoming our own best customer, protecting Canadian businesses and empowering our workers through high-paying careers that build prosperity at home.
The Government of Canada is moving forward with legislation such as the Build Canada Homes act in order to build strength at home. We are investing in Canadian industries and creating more jobs as a result. Build Canada Homes is a part of the federal government's strategic effort to invest in our modern nation, protect Canadian interests and make our economy one of the strongest in the G7. By making Build Canada Homes a Crown corporation, the Government of Canada would be better placed to ensure that Canadians have access to affordable housing. Across the country, we want to build more homes quickly and efficiently using Canadian materials, Canadian workers and Canadian businesses.
The Build Canada Homes act would enable the federal government to have a greater and more positive influence on Canada's housing system. Together, investments made through Build Canada Homes, in collaboration with key partners, would help strengthen our economy and create lasting economic benefits for communities right across our country.