“We support this bill because we want more homes built. But the government already has an agency that does this work. Why create a new one, and what happens to the old one?”

“Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleague a question. Obviously, the Bloc Québécois supports the bill, because we want housing to be built. However, a similar body already exists, namely the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Its mandate is very similar, if not identical, to that of Build Canada Homes. Why create a new body? What is the logic there? What will happen to the CMHC?”

“The housing agency already checks building plans and makes sure social housing meets high standards. Since this new agency will replace it, will that expertise be moved over?”

“Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate my colleague on his speech. I know he recently celebrated his first year as an MP, and I imagine he has not yet had the opportunity to work closely on specific projects with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, or CMHC. I have been an MP for several years now, and I can say that CMHC was a fairly important body for vetting business plans, as well as for ensuring that social housing meets various standards, particularly energy efficiency standards, and that our new housing meets the highest construction standards in terms of both sustainability and development. I would like my colleague to clarify this for me, because I do not really understand. Essentially, Build Canada Homes is taking the place of CMHC. Will the CMHC’s expertise be transferred to Build Canada Homes?”

“My party supports this bill, but I worry it makes housing funding too complicated. Housing projects in my riding were supposed to get money years ago, but they are still waiting because of this new agency. Creating this agency has caused more delays.”

“Madam Speaker, the Bloc Québécois supports the bill, but I agree with my colleague that it adds another layer of complexity. My riding is home to some social housing projects that were supposed to be funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Now we are waiting for the funding, because the program has been deprioritized or sidelined by Build Canada Homes. As of today, we are still waiting for a response from Build Canada Homes regarding funding that was due years ago. There has already been a delay, and now a new structure is being added. The government appears to have rushed this process. I am wondering whether my colleague has any similar examples in her riding.”

“This bill lets the new housing agency buy shares in housing companies. I worry that mixes up government and private roles. I want to know what my colleague thinks about that.”

“Madam Speaker, I would like my colleague to comment on something. We know that Build Canada Homes will be entitled to acquire shares in companies involved in public housing. It seems to me that the roles are getting mixed up. We have some reservations about this. I would like to know what my colleague thinks about this.”