CHBA Delegates Meet with 80+ Policymakers During Successful 2026 Day on the Hill

CHBA leadership and delegates from across the country had productive discussions on housing and affordability in over 80 meetings with Ministers, MPs, and other senior government officials during CHBA’s annual Day on the Hill. On February 10, delegates fanned out across Parliament Hill to continue to push for key asks on housing supply and affordability and discuss the many challenges the sector is facing. Equipped with achievable policy recommendations as well as recent polling data by Abacus, commissioned by CHBA, political decision-makers were provided with a comprehensive overview of the need for more federal policies to support homeownership. CHBA also hosted a reception following the delegate advocacy. It was very well attended by Ministers, Senators, MPs, and other senior staff. Gathered delegates also heard from federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson who provided remarks. This annual event is part of the year-round consultations and engagement with federal government officials. Extensive follow-up to the meetings and discussions is now underway, as CHBA seeks measures like the expansion of the GST exemption to all buyers to be included in the Spring Economic Statement. For more information on CHBA’s key asks during the meetings, please see CHBA’s “Unlocking the Door to Homeownership – Recommendations on the Federal Role 2026.”

CHBA Input Helps Result in Key Tariff Exemption for Windows, Doors, and Hardware  

In December 2025, the Federal government quietly applied a new global tariff on many steel and aluminum products. Harmonized system codes captured many home finishings that are not produced in Canada in sufficient quantities. CHBA lent its support and industry views to Fenestration Canada who applied for a tariff remission on products imported under the Harmonized System Codes for Doors, windows and their frames and thresholds for doors, window hardware, door hardware, and mountings, fittings and similar articles suitable for buildings. CHBA is happy to announce that a remission was granted on the importation of these products. This remission does not have a time limit, but refunds for tariffs paid over the past couple months will be refunded, though details have not yet been made available. Please reach out to Evan Andrade at evan.andrade@chba.ca if you have questions.

Win for Developers: Pre-Condo Deposit Trusts Exempt from Beneficial Ownership Filing Requirements  

As part of government efforts to combat money laundering, the CRA has begun required filing of Schedule 15 Beneficial Ownership form, regardless of a taxable income. For nearly two years, CHBA argued this creates a significant regulatory cost and liability on trusts used to hold preconstruction deposits. In many provinces, these trusts are a statutory requirement, within a Condominium Act. A CHBA-proposed amendment, within Bill C-15 (a partial budget bill), now creates an exemption for trusts created to comply with statute. CHBA will now push for the CRA to update its online guidance to further emphasize this exemption. This will prevent future legal delays and cost increases incurred by condominium developers—if the trust is created in compliance with statute. Bill C-15 has made it through third reading in the House of Commons, and is now in Senate pre-study; it should receive royal assent without difficulty and become law shortly.

CHBA Hosts Successful Towards Net Zero Reno Roadmap Bootcamp 2.0   

The NRCan-funded “Towards Cost-Effective Net Zero Energy Ready Residential Renovations” CHBA initiative held its second dynamic “big tent” event in Ottawa at the end of January. Over 130 participants from across Canada discussed and workshopped the Towards Net Zero Roadmap, diving into virtual and physical tools, resources, optimization, and phasing, and heard perspectives from Federal and Municipal representatives. With over 350 reno projects enrolled, and a focus ranging from resiliency to scaling, this event informed on what has worked, what was the biggest lift, where we are going as an industry, and how the industry can level the road to Net Zero. Check out this video with highlights from the event.

From Completion to Connection: Building Loyalty After the Build

MEMBER WEBINAR | MARCH 26 @ 1:30 PM ET    
Building or renovating a home is a major milestone, but the homeowner journey doesn’t end at closing or project completion. In fact, the post-completion experience often determines whether clients become loyal advocates or one-time customers. The weeks and months after move-in are critical to your reputation, referrals, and repeat business, yet many builders and renovators unintentionally lose momentum during this stage. In this webinar hosted by CHBA with Tim Bailey, Director of Operations for Avid at ECI Software Solutions, participants will explore the most common post-completion pain points and how best-in-class builders and renovators elevate the customer experience after the keys have been handed over. Learn from practical insights to strengthen homeowner relationships and drive long-term loyalty through referrals, repeat clients, and stronger online reviews. Register here.