When Canadians go to the polls in the April 28 federal election, there’s a lot at stake. Most pressing is the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs and the existential questions it raises. Just as important, perhaps, and something that cannot get lost in the process – housing.

On that front, Liberal leader Mark Carney on March 31 announced what is being called Canada’s most ambitious housing plan since the Second World War, that would build more homes that Canadians can afford (see page 8).

Build Canada Homes

Among other things, the plan would create Build Canada Homes (BCH) to get the federal government back into the business of homebuilding; and make the housing market work better by catalyzing private capital, cutting red tape and lowering the cost of homebuilding.

This, in addition to earlier announced plans to eliminate of the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes at or less than $1 million.

Meanwhile, the Conservative party has also pledged that, if elected, it would eliminate the GST on all new homes of less than $1.3 million.

These are exactly the kinds of substantive initiatives that we need to address the serious issues facing the housing sector, and industry groups across the country are applauding the moves.

“We are pleased that two major federal parties have made substantial promises regarding GST on new homes,” says Kevin Lee, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. “In light of the tariff war with the United States, it is doubly important that all avenues to improve housing affordability for Canadians are explored. Addressing the GST on new housing is certainly a step in the right direction in ensuring Canada has a comprehensive plan to support better housing affordability and supply in the face of increasing construction costs, and is long overdue.”

Housing promises

And from the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), “BILD welcomes Liberal leader Mark Carney’s housing platform commitments. These are the reforms BILD has been advocating for, to address the housing crisis in the GTA.”

We have about three weeks to election date. While much of the issues discussion will centre around Donald Trump and the U.S., it’s important to keep watch on who promises what when it comes to housing. However the tariff threat plays out, the homebuilding issue will remain long after April 28.