BILDCR Hosts Canadian Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

(L to R) – BILDCR Chair of the Board, Graeme Melton (Melcor Developments) ; BILDCR CEO, Brian Hahn; Canadian Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, The Honourable, Sean Fraser

Friday, February 9, 2024

On Wednesday, BILDCR had the privilege of hosting a small-scale event featuring the Canadian Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, The Honourable Sean Fraser, at Earl Grey Golf Club. The event included concise presentations from both BILDCR CEO Brian Hahn, followed by a brief opening address from Minister Fraser. Following the opening remarks, Hahn facilitated a question-and-answer session with Minister Fraser, elucidating the multifaceted strategies implemented to address challenges within Canada’s housing sector. Key areas of emphasis comprised electricity and electrification, energy efficiency in existing housing, labour supply, modular construction, GST thresholds, and strategic investments in mid-sized cities.

Discussion Topics & Summary

Continued Backing for Immigration and Labor Supply

Fraser highlighted the opportunity to enhance support for the Canadian Home Builders Association’s strategy, aiming to augment the supply of skilled labour crucial for the Canadian building and development industry. This involves targeted initiatives to expand the home-building workforce by providing increased assistance to pilot programs and implementing reforms that expedite the process of granting temporary worker access, ultimately contributing to the growth in the number of homes constructed. Continue to support programs at scale to support builders through immigration, training, and incentives.

Electricity and Electrification

Fraser emphasized the critical role of reliable, low-emission electricity for Canada’s economic performance. While advocating for renewable energy, he noted the need for a dependable system and incentives for utility upgrades, including eligibility for investment tax credits.

Energy Efficiency and Existing Housing

Recognizing the prevalence of existing homes, efforts are directed toward enhancing energy efficiency. Fraser proposed increased collaboration with the Canada Infrastructure Bank to finance retrofits, citing successful projects as examples.

GST Thresholds and Tax Measures

The discussion touched on potential increases in GST thresholds for housing rebates, with Fraser acknowledging the need for clarity on legislation and tax interpretations. Ongoing efforts towards a comprehensive response to the housing crisis involve considering various measures and incentives.

Investment in Mid-sized Cities

Fraser emphasized the importance of Federal investments in smaller, rapidly growing cities, with the introduction of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). He believes the HAF will act as a mechanism to support these communities. The proposed HAF plans encompass awards for smaller regions and rural areas, showcasing a dedication to inclusive transit funding.

Modular Construction and Factory-built Components

Fraser sees great potential in the use of modular or factory-built components to scale up housing construction. Despite challenges such as upfront capital requirements and market cyclicality, Fraser proposes a coordinated approach among different government levels to foster consistency and incentivize investments. The desired outcome is an increased capacity for home builders to deliver products that go beyond cash incentives. This collaborative effort aims to establish uniformity in design, particularly in partnership with other government levels involved in procuring homes for affordable and student housing.