PM Carney Announces GST Exemption for First-Time Buyers 

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced today that the Government of Canada will eliminate the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time homebuyers on homes at or under $1 million. CHBA has been advocating extensively with all major parties for a change to GST thresholds and most recently has touted it as an important move in the face of tariffs and resultant rising construction costs. CHBA is encouraged that this policy addresses what has been a major contributor to affordability challenges when buying a new home. In the fall, the Conservative Party of Canada also announced that they would remove the GST on new homes with a purchase price under $1 million,should they be elected. There were no further details on today’s announcement, including when this change would come into effect—and if an election is called, it won’t be until after that. However, CHBA is pleased that whether the Liberals or Conservatives form the next government, reform for GST on housing is on its way, and CHBA will continue with its recommendations to make it most effective, including implementing this as soon as possible.

Big Media Take-up as CHBA Releases 3rd Edition of Municipal Benchmarking Study  

During a press conference on Parliament Hill, CHBA unveiled the latest edition of the Municipal Benchmarking Study, delivered by Altus Group. CHBA CEO Kevin Lee delivered remarks focused on the results of the study but also offered insight into best practices municipalities can adopt to improve their housing affordability and supply as well as pointed to ways provincial and federal governments can continue to drive and support change at the municipal level. The study examines municipalities’ processes, approvals timelines, and charges and fees in major housing markets across Canada. During the press conference, Lee also addressed the ongoing tariffs situation and their impact on the residential construction industry, noting reducing the GST and DC burdens on housing would help offset some tariff effects. He reiterated the industry’s concern over these trade actions and condemned the direction of the Trump administration. Lee spoke to CHBA’s high-level engagement with the federal government including providing advice on how to best handle retaliatory tariffs with the minimum impact on Canadian businesses and construction costs. The release garnered extensive media take-up; journalists from the Canadian Press, CTV News, CBC, Globe and Mail, Financial Post and more wrote about the release of the report, resulting in 71 million earned media views in the first 24 hours alone (an advertising equivalency of $6.3M). For more information, read the media release on CHBA’s website or watch the press conference.

Tariffs, State of Industry Included in CHBA’s Pre-Budget Consultations   

CHBA provided its annual submission to the Department of Finance’s pre-budget consultations, which finance officials consult to help develop the federal budget. The federal budget is usually delivered in the spring, but with a federal election likely imminent, it will not be tabled. Still, the submission is an important part of the year-round outreach CHBA has with politicians and government officials to help highlight industry recommendations as well as challenges the industry is facing—including informing political party platforms at this stage (like the GST on new housing issue). In addition to the latest CHBA Housing Market Index results, which are particularly helpful to officials, this year’s submission contains CHBA’s recommendations on how best to handle the ongoing tariff situation to lessen the negative impact on the sector. Read CHBA’s submission here.

CHBA Prepares for Looming Federal Election  

Mark Carney has been sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister after winning the Liberal Party of Canada leadership earlier this month. He also named a new Cabinet but with many ministers already holding posts under the Justin Trudeau government including Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Nate-Erskine Smith. Prime Minister Carney does not currently have a seat in the House of Commons as he won the leadership race without being a Member of Parliament. However, it is widely expected that that the new prime minister will call a federal election very shortly to seek a mandate from the Canadian people, which will of course see him seek a seat in the House himself. CHBA remains highly engaged with the government and all major political parties on all the issues currently of concern for the sector, and has its recommendations prepared for platform inclusion and beyond.

ICYMI: Two CHBA Wins on Elimination of Red Tape and Another on the Way 

In a major win for the sector over unnecessary red tape, the federal government has very quietly eliminated the need for all private corporations to file an Underused Housing Tax (UHT) return (UT-2900), given they were never subjected to pay the tax. After rigorous advocacy from CHBA, including participating in the consultation on proposed changes to the UHT, revisions have been made including who is required to file an annual return. This government link outlines the changes, and members can read more about CHBA’s advocacy here. CHBA encourages members to seek professional accounting and tax advice to ensure that your company structure fits under the revised rules. CHBA also continues to advocate against ownership reporting disclosures for new condominiums, which add to the regulatory burden and are duplicative of obligated FINTRAC compliance programs. Currently, trusts need to report again for the 2024 tax year, because the proposed change that was announced, which would have been a CHBA win, never got a chance to be approved in the House of Commons because of prorogation. See here to read the February letter addressed to the Minister of Finance, requesting a moratorium on assessing non-compliance penalties for trusts created out of statute given the circumstances, and read more on the issue on the industry issues page. We do expect that change to come through fully when the house resumes, and are hopeful to get this moratorium in the meantime. And finally, in case you missed the other recent win for CHBA members about new home construction no longer captured by reporting requirements for Bill S-211 on forced labour, click here.

Finalists Announced in CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence  

On March 19, Finalists were announced for the 2025 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence, Canada’s premiere competition for new homes, home renovations, community development, and residential marketing. The competition once again had a record-breaking year, this time with over 1000 entries submitted into 48 categories. Nearly 300 volunteer industry experts volunteered to judge. Over two rounds, judges scored entries based on project descriptions, images, and other supporting information such as floor plans included in the submission packages. “This national awards program continues to grow even more competitive, and it is an impressive accomplishment to be named a finalist,” said CEO Kevin Lee in CHBA’s media release, which contains the full list of finalists and a link to the image gallery. Winners will be presented during the Glitter & Groove Awards Bash on May 15 in Victoria, BC – the grand finale of CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada.

CHBA’s Home Building Week in Canada and Annual Meeting of Members  

MAY 11-15, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC

Registration is open for the must-attend national home building event of the year! Connect with industry leaders from across the country during an intensive series of Association business meetings, celebrate the best in home building and renovation from coast to coast with engaging sessions, fun-packed social events, and celebrating the winners of the Association Leadership Awards and the CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. CHBA’s Annual Meeting of Members will take place May 13th as part of the pre-conference meetings. More information on registration, hotel accommodations, and the schedule are available on the CHBA website. Register and book your hotel room today!

Adaptiv Home Renovation Course    

JUNE 3-4, 2025 | VIRTUAL
Registration is now open for the next virtual Adaptiv Home Renovation Course taking place on June 3-4. Aimed at renovators, designers, and other professionals who want to learn more about the aging in place market and the growing business opportunities across the country,  the emphasis of this course is on improving design with safety, security, ease of use, comfort, accessibility, and occupant health, and includes a building knowledge component. Upon successful completion of the course, CHBA members are recognized on the Qualified Adaptiv Home Specialist directory and receive access to a full suite of resources to help promote this prestigious designation. The last course sold out, so register soon! For more information, click here.