Cheryl Gallant

“Mr. Speaker, I share the member’s concerns about the well-being of our service members, who serve this country with pride and professionalism every day. This is an issue that is close to my heart. I am the father of a Canadian Armed Forces member who has a small family to support. This means ensuring that the Canadian Armed Forces have the support they need to thrive and succeed, and that members are fairly compensated given the unique challenges of military service. That is why we have increased the total benefits package for members of the Canadian Armed Forces by 20% by modernizing the military factor adjustment and other allowances, in addition to introducing several new ones. We know that affordable housing is a real challenge for many military families, just as it is for Canadians in general. I can understand the anxiety caused by changes to housing costs and allowances. They are not easy to understand at first glance. I will try to clarify things. The member is raising two separate issues: the Canadian Forces housing differential for members renting in a private housing market, and shelter charges for members living in DND-managed residential housing units. These are governed differently, with different protections for each group of members. The housing differential is not a universal benefit. It is a tailored monthly payment to help members when private housing costs in their place of duty outpace their income. The Canadian Forces housing differential policy is reviewed annually to ensure that it reflects changes in members’ circumstances. In 2026, median private-market rental costs fell in more than half of the regions. In addition to the housing differential, housing charges apply to members residing in accommodations managed by the Department of National Defence. These charges do not strictly constitute rent, as the government does not have a landlord-tenant relationship with members of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Canadian Forces Housing Agency is required by law to annually review the base shelter cost to reflect the local market. This is done by applying the Statistics Canada consumer price index, and for 2026-27, the local reviews resulted in a 5% increase that translates to a national average of $57 per month. Annual increases are capped at $100 per month for existing occupants, and members are protected from paying more than 25% of their gross household income in shelter charges. We look after our military personnel and provide them with affordable housing and fair pay so that they can focus on the demanding task of protecting Canada.”