Build Canada Homes Act

Bill C-20, Build Canada Homes Act · Third reading · now law Where it stands

What the law does

The law establishes Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation to develop affordable housing and promote efficient construction techniques. It sets out the corporation's powers and governance, and authorizes federal money to fund its operations. The federal cabinet can also transfer property and obligations from other Crown corporations to Build Canada Homes, and issue directives related to reorganizing Canada Lands Company Limited.

Official text (opens in a new tab)

26 statements

Kevin Lamoureux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Liberal
“The Conservatives are blocking our plan to build more homes for Canadians. Does the member agree that the national government should help solve this national problem?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, what we have seen today is the Conservative Party take the position of continuing to deny Canadians the opportunity to have a national housing strategy or a program that incorporates Build Canada Homes, which is there to support Canadians in a very real and tangible way. Does the member, in principle, support a national government addressing a national issue by providing mechanisms to ensure that the issues can in fact be resolved—

Charles Sousa, Mississauga—Lakeshore

Liberal
“I support this bill. It turns Build Canada Homes into a Crown corporation so we can build affordable housing faster. It will bring housing programs into one place and use Canadian materials and workers to boost our economy.”
  • A repeated line

    “Train and hire up to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers in the next five years.”

    Said 8 times by 7 members since May 1.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I will be sharing my time with the member for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles. I am pleased to have this opportunity to discuss the Government of Canada’s Build Canada Homes act, specifically the importance that Build Canada Homes has in relation to supporting the Canadian economy and the federal government’s buy Canadian policy. Since September of 2025, Build Canada Homes has been a special operating agency within Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. Working quickly and efficiently, this new federal agency has already made significant progress to deliver more affordable housing for Canadians. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes would have the flexibility and operational autonomy to deliver on its mandate, all while maintaining a clear accountability framework to Parliament. That is why the Build Canada Homes act is landmark legislation. The Government of Canada needs to strengthen its capacity to address Canada’s housing crisis, improve housing supply and accelerate innovation in homebuilding. Far too many Canadians are struggling to find a home they can afford. Housing costs are creating havoc, and productivity in the construction sector is low. Traditional construction and funding approaches alone are not delivering the scale or speed Canadians need. Build Canada Homes will centralize functions that were previously spread across multiple departments, agencies and programs that limited the government’s ability to have maximum impact. It will act as a developer, a financier, a convenor and a catalyst for a more productive homebuilding sector. Canadians need more homes, and the Build Canada Homes act would help make it possible to build more quickly, more efficiently and at the scale that is required. The global trade landscape is rapidly changing. In response, we are building a more resilient and more independent Canadian economy. At the core of this strategy is an ambitious plan to construct nation-building projects, more affordable homes and stronger local infrastructure. We are forging strong relationships among all levels of government, municipal, territorial and provincial, and with indigenous partners. We are making strategic investments to build a stronger, more sustainable economy that works towards cutting red tape, eliminating barriers to international trade and making new deals that will drive local economies. This will in turn require a strong skilled trades workforce. That is why, on April 29, as part of the spring economic update, the Prime Minister announced team Canada strong. This is a $6-billion nationwide effort that will recruit, train and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trade workers in the next five years. Team Canada strong will transform the skilled trades and bring more apprentices into the workforce. It will ensure that young Canadians are ready to build the housing and infrastructure that we need. It will create new jobs, good careers and strengthen Canada’s future workforce. The Government of Canada is taking decisive action now, making Canada’s economy one of the fastest-growing and most competitive in the world and ushering in a new era of economic security and prosperity for Canadians. The Government of Canada, also building on the solid foundation of strong industries, will do so by promoting the buy Canadian policy. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes would be funded through the initial envelope of $13 billion that was announced in budget 2025. It is designed to bring federal supports for affordable housing together in one place, working in tandem with other government departments and organizations. It would move quickly to leverage federal land, support innovative building approaches and partner broadly across sectors to deliver affordable homes. Build Canada Homes is a key part of Canada’s new industrial strategy, driving a more productive homebuilding sector. Build Canada Homes will prioritize projects that use Canadian-made materials such as mass timber, lumber, steel and aluminum. It will promote modern construction methods such as modular and prefabricated housing to reduce build times, material waste and environmental impact. The federal government is leveraging key stakeholder relationships with private developers, businesses and community and not-for-profit organizations, as well as with other government and indigenous partners. By working together, we are creating job opportunities here at home and supporting the Canadian workforce. Together, we are building stronger communities and a stronger Canada. The Government of Canada introduced a new buy Canadian policy framework, effective as of December 16, 2025. The policy leverages federal investments by prioritizing Canadian domestic suppliers, content and materials to help make Canada’s economy stronger, more resilient to global shocks and better able to support Canadian workers and businesses. The policy is comprehensive, covering not only direct purchasing but also the breadth of federal investments. It is being applied by federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. Build Canada Homes adheres to the Government of Canada’s buy Canadian policy. It will do so by strengthening domestic supply chains, and every new home will mean more demand for Canadian steel, lumber and aluminum, helping workers and businesses thrive. The buy Canadian policy also provides flexibility and a framework for recognizing the provinces and territories, which may also apply their similar standards. These changes to procurement rules will help Canadian industries become more self-sufficient and resilient to changes in the global economy. The buy Canadian policy supports strategic sectors, such as the Canadian construction and defence industries, and it applies to projects such as buildings, bridges, aircraft parts and much more. It requires that large federal construction and defence purchases use Canadian-produced steel, aluminum and wood products. The Government of Canada is also increasing economic opportunities for first nation, Inuit and Métis businesses. Through the federal procurement process, federal departments and agencies are required to ensure that a minimum of 5% of the total value of contracts be held by indigenous businesses. This includes businesses owned and operated by elder, band and tribal councils; businesses registered in the Government of Canada’s indigenous business directory; or businesses registered on a modern treaty beneficiary business list. Through the new buy Canadian policy, we are making the government a force of nation building, becoming our own best customer, protecting Canadian businesses and empowering our workers through high-paying careers that build prosperity at home. The Government of Canada is moving forward with legislation such as the Build Canada Homes act in order to build strength at home. We are investing in Canadian industries and creating more jobs as a result. Build Canada Homes is a part of the federal government’s strategic effort to invest in our modern nation, protect Canadian interests and make our economy one of the strongest in the G7. By making Build Canada Homes a Crown corporation, the Government of Canada would be better placed to ensure that Canadians have access to affordable housing. Across the country, we want to build more homes quickly and efficiently using Canadian materials, Canadian workers and Canadian businesses. The Build Canada Homes act would enable the federal government to have a greater and more positive influence on Canada’s housing system. Together, investments made through Build Canada Homes, in collaboration with key partners, would help strengthen our economy and create lasting economic benefits for communities right across our country.

Charles Sousa, Mississauga—Lakeshore

Liberal
“This bill combines different housing agencies into one. That will cut costs and build more affordable homes.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the member opposite for his effort to be moderate during OGGO briefings, as chair. We do appreciate his manner. In this case, though, I want to let him be better appreciative of the effort of the Build Canada Homes act to coordinate all these agencies into one in order to minimize costs and to elaborate and expand affordable housing. The president who has been appointed to that housing agency is one of the leaders across the country in affordable housing, and we welcome her initiatives and her endeavours to produce greater value for homes in Canada.

Charles Sousa, Mississauga—Lakeshore

Liberal
“This bill will work with existing provincial buying systems instead of copying them. We want people across Canada, including Quebec, to benefit from cheaper, faster, and more affordable housing.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I hope the member is wrong, because what the Build Canada Homes act and the agency itself have recognized is that there are a number of other provinces that already operate procurement practices. We want to use those practices concurrently. We would not be duplicating them. We want all of Canada, including Quebec, to benefit from lower costs, greater efficiencies and greater speed, enabling Quebeckers to afford homes here in Canada.

Linda Lapointe, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Liberal
“This bill is a big part of our plan to build more affordable homes faster. How does the member think it will help his community?”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I listened carefully to my colleague’s excellent speech. He knows what he is talking about. Yes, this is a major component of the government’s plan to build more housing faster and ensure that every Canadian has access to affordable housing. What impact does my colleague think this will have in his riding of Mississauga—Lakeshore?

Charles Sousa, Mississauga—Lakeshore

Liberal
“This bill is important for my riding. We have federal land on our waterfront, and we need affordable housing. Federal support is helping us build three new housing projects there.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is essential to my riding of Mississauga—Lakeshore. We actually have a Canada Lands property. A lot of people are talking about the redevelopment and revitalization of our waterfront, but we also need affordable housing. As a result, there are now three projects in my riding that are being initiated and built. There has been great support from Peel Region to facilitate those projects, because the federal Government of Canada stepped up to the plate and enabled it to happen.

Charles Sousa, Mississauga—Lakeshore

Liberal
“We are working with provinces like Ontario to cut costs. I want the opposition to work with us so we can make housing more affordable across Canada.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the member is moderate, except on this question. The fact of the matter is that we are reducing costs and working with other provinces. Ontario has actually matched some of those cuts, and that is important. We have to work collaboratively. I reach out to the members of the opposition to come on board to help their citizens and constituents lower their cost of housing. Let us join together to make housing more affordable right across Canada.

Linda Lapointe, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Liberal
“I want the House to pass this bill. It creates a government corporation to build affordable homes faster. It will work with provinces, Indigenous communities, and local groups to build more housing.”
  • A repeated line

    “Build Canada homes will have the flexibility and operational autonomy needed to fulfill its mandate.”

    Said 5 times by 5 members since June 5.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to rise today to speak in support of the Build Canada Homes act. This landmark legislation will establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation tasked with building and expanding affordable housing for Canadians. Canada is in the midst of a housing crisis. To date, federal efforts have been spread across multiple departments, agencies and provinces, limiting the government’s ability to have maximum impact. Traditional approaches to construction and financing do not provide the scale and capacity that Canadians need. That is why we are taking a new approach. Every Canadian deserves an affordable place to call home. Housing is a basic need, and the growing demand for housing across the country requires urgent action. Build Canada Homes was created to act quickly and effectively. This legislation will give Build Canada Homes the flexibility and operational autonomy it needs to carry out its mandate. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will maintain a clear framework of accountability with respect to the government. That will strengthen its ability to develop partnerships across the housing ecosystem and provide affordable housing at the scale and speed that Canadians need. Build Canada Homes will streamline federal housing efforts by acting as a developer, a funder, a unifying force and a catalyst for innovation in the housing sector. It will play a central role in building strong partnerships with all levels of government and indigenous communities. It will also work with non-profit organizations and other key stakeholders in the housing sector to stimulate the construction of affordable housing across Canada. This includes private developers and community organizations. As members know, people in Rivière‑des‑Mille‑Îles are already engaging with organizations interested in working with Build Canada Homes. We already have community housing, built with community organizations, in Saint‑Eustache, Boisbriand, Deux‑Montagnes and Rosemère. Obviously, we all want to build affordable housing. Build Canada Homes cannot act alone. The success of its initiatives depends on partnerships. Greater collaboration among all levels of government, whether municipal, federal or provincial, and with key partners, is needed to address the housing challenges we face across the country. Build Canada Homes will streamline and accelerate the delivery of large-scale affordable housing projects. The agency will attract public, private and philanthropic investment, maximizing its impact. The Build Canada Homes act will foster partnerships across the housing ecosystem to connect the right funding to the right projects. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will consolidate access to federal lands, development expertise and flexible financial tools through a single entity. It will speed up the delivery of affordable housing by working with non-profit organizations, indigenous organizations and all levels of government. This approach will limit risk, eliminate barriers and guide projects throughout the development process. Build Canada Homes will also work in close collaboration with developers, investors and manufacturers on securing funding and building homes. It will work directly with builders and housing providers that are focused on long-term affordability. That includes non-profit organizations, co-operatives, community housing providers and organizations that promote different housing options for Canadians. These strategic partnerships will make it possible to create affordable housing for a wide range of households, regardless of their income. We are working with stakeholders in Rivière-des-Mille-Îles to fast-track the construction of affordable housing across the riding. Build Canada Homes will have the authority to work under agreements with all levels of government and community partners on financial support, joint ventures and joint development initiatives. The agency will seek to establish close collaboration and coordination with the provinces and territories, which will help advance priority projects. This could include making land available, expediting approval processes and waiving applicable fees. I will now turn to partnerships with indigenous communities. Indigenous peoples face unique housing challenges. Build Canada Homes will collaborate with first nations, Inuit and Métis governments, indigenous housing providers and urban indigenous organizations on proposals that will deliver consistent housing outcomes. Build Canada Homes will work collaboratively to address the housing needs of indigenous communities. The Government of Canada respects indigenous sovereignty and supports self-determined housing solutions that apply an indigenous lens to design and implementation. Our indigenous partners know how to integrate culture and adopt housing solutions that enable their communities to thrive. Build Canada Homes is committed to fostering close collaboration with indigenous peoples and advancing indigenous housing priorities. I would now like to talk about provincial partnerships. Since its launch, Build Canada Homes has moved quickly to initiate housing projects. The Government of Canada has identified public lands that can be converted for housing. We have partnered with local governments to cut red tape and speed up approvals. In April 2026, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec announced an initial partnership to support the construction of about 865 new affordable housing units across the province. The total investment in affordable housing, supportive housing and transitional housing in the province amounts to $200 million. Build Canada Homes is providing approximately $100 million, and Quebec is contributing $100 million. Supportive and transitional housing is very important for people experiencing domestic violence. Addressing domestic violence is one of the priorities of the Liberal women’s caucus. This new housing is a direct result of the memorandum of understanding setting out the principles of collaboration for the rollout of Build Canada Homes in Quebec. Signed in January 2026, this memorandum of understanding will guide future collaboration and ensure the coordinated rollout of Build Canada Homes projects across Quebec. Through their collaboration, the federal and Quebec governments will speed up the approval process and identify additional housing projects. The combined investments will help build more affordable housing in the communities that need it most. In March 2026, the Government of Canada, through Build Canada Homes, and New Brunswick partnered to build affordable housing. This partnership is accelerating the delivery of up to 1,200 shovel‑ready homes, with the potential to scale to 1,500. At least half of the homes will be for low-income Canadians, and at least 160 will be supportive or transitional housing. Approximately 30% of the homes, representing up to 450 units, will be built in smaller rural communities. I have been a member of the rural caucus for several years, and one of the comments that I often hear is that we must ensure that affordable housing is built in rural communities as well. In conclusion, developing and strengthening partnerships is vital to building homes for Canadians. By pooling resources and finding innovative solutions with its partners, Build Canada Homes is laying a foundation for sustainable solutions. The Build Canada Homes act will make Build Canada Homes a Crown corporation with its own mandate, governance structure and clear powers. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will have the operational independence, governance and flexibility needed to deliver affordable housing at scale. This legislation will allow Build Canada Homes to operate at arm’s length from the government, manage its assets, deploy innovative financial tools and make long-term investment decisions more effectively. That is the true strength of partnership: implementing transformative changes. We are working together to develop a strong, more unified approach to housing across the country.

Linda Lapointe, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Liberal
“We need to vote for this bill so the new agency can start building homes.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, if I understand my colleague’s question correctly, he would like me to provide a more detailed response to the question from my colleague opposite. Obviously, if we want to ensure that Build Canada Homes can build houses, the first step is to vote in favour of the bill so that it can be implemented. Then Build Canada Homes will actually be able to get to work and start building homes.

Dominique O'Rourke, Guelph

Liberal
“People are excited about this bill because it could help them get land or money for housing. What are people saying about it in the member's riding?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, there are certainly people in my colleague’s riding with very interesting projects who are excited because they may be able to access land or funding. What is she hearing in her riding?

Linda Lapointe, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Liberal
“My riding has land and projects ready for new housing, including places protected from floods. We are ready to build as soon as the government moves forward.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her excellent question. My riding is home to Deux-Montagnes, Saint‑Eustache, Boisbriand and Rosemère. People may not remember, but in 2017, we had once-in-a-century floods. Homes in Deux‑Montagnes were demolished. We are waiting for approval from the Montreal metropolitan area to reuse that land. Thanks to the federal government, there is a fund dedicated to the effects of climate change. That land is now inside a dike. Housing can be built there quickly. That is what is going on in Deux‑Montagnes. In Saint‑Eustache, there are already community projects. They will be ready for implementation as soon as the government moves forward. The other two cities, Boisbriand and Rosemère, also have projects. I encourage members to come and visit Rosemère. We are going to find a way to build apartment buildings.

Linda Lapointe, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Liberal
“I want my colleague to support this bill. It creates a new group that will be more flexible and build homes faster with other organizations.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his excellent question. Yes, we are transitioning from CMHC to Build Canada Homes. This new structure will be more flexible. The funds can be used in collaboration with organizations. As I said earlier, whether in the public or the private sector, we will be able to get these projects up and running faster. This transition will provide increased operational autonomy, the ability to take on risks and an appropriate governance structure that includes a board of directors and executive leadership appointed by the government. A bit of patience will be required, but we are going to wrap up the session. What I am asking my colleague specifically is that he support Bill C‑20, so we can move on to the next stage.

Linda Lapointe, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Liberal
“We need to pass this housing bill. When the Conservative leader was in government, he only built six homes, and we will do much better and faster than that.”
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Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, with just 30 seconds I would say to my hon. colleague that we need to make sure we pass the bill first. When the Leader of the Opposition was in government, I believe he built six homes. We will definitely do better than that and do it quickly.

Kevin Lamoureux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Liberal
“I disagree with the member. The federal government has an important role in housing, and our actions help private builders. This bill will help grow the modular home industry and build more houses. Since our government took over, home prices and rents have stabilized or gone down in many places. We need to work together.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, even with the member’s background in the housing sector, I tend to disagree with her. At the end of the day, she tries to give the impression that the national government does not have a role, when in fact many of the things that the government is doing support the private sector. When we take a look at the Build Canada Homes corporation, after this legislation passes, hopefully, what we will see is the expansion of the modular home industry. In fact, we have already been seeing that. There are different ways the government can contribute to increasing the housing stock. Some of the assertions that the member made, for example, were around the costs. Let us remember that he has been Prime Minister for just over a year. Not only have we already seen the stabilization of housing prices in Canada, but in many areas, we have actually seen decreases. We have seen a decrease of rents. Obviously the government can make a difference. Would the member not agree that we need to have collaboration?

Kevin Lamoureux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Liberal
“Our government is working with British Columbia to build over 1,000 homes in the next year, including supportive housing. The Conservatives say the government cannot get this done. I want to know if the member supports building these homes.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives really need to open their eyes and see what is actually taking place. If I were to use the province that my colleague from Fleetwood—Port Kells comes from, in British Columbia alone, over 1,100 homes are going to be built under this government, working in collaboration with the British Columbia government. What is wrong with that? Hundreds of homes will be for supportive housing. The Conservatives, on the other hand, sit back and say they know the government cannot do it. I have news for them. The Government of Canada, working with the Government of British Columbia and other stakeholders, will build over 1,000 homes in the next 12 months. Does the member opposite support the initiatives that are going to deliver non-profit homes for the people of Canada?

Stéphane Lauzon, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation

Liberal
“I want the House to pass this bill. It creates a government corporation to fund and build affordable homes faster across Canada and create skilled jobs.”
  • A repeated line

    “Build Canada homes will have the flexibility and operational autonomy needed to fulfill its mandate.”

    Said 5 times by 5 members since June 5.

    Every time it was said
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I would like to share my speaking time with the member for Guelph. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to talk about the Government of Canada’s Build Canada Homes act. Specifically, I will talk about why Build Canada Homes is important for supporting the Canadian economy and the federal government’s buy Canadian policy. Launched in 2025, Build Canada Homes is a special operating agency within Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. Working swiftly and efficiently, this new federal agency has already made significant progress in providing more affordable housing for Canadians, including families, women, single mothers and especially families in need. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will have the flexibility and operational autonomy to deliver on its mandate, all while maintaining a clear accountability framework to the government. That is why the Build Canada Homes act is landmark legislation. The Government of Canada needs to strengthen its capacity to address the housing crisis, improve housing supply and accelerate innovation in homebuilding. Too many Canadians are struggling to find a home they can afford. Housing costs are rising, supply is not keeping up with demand, and productivity in the construction sector is low. Traditional construction and funding approaches alone are not delivering the scale or speed Canadians need. Build Canada Homes will centralize functions that were previously spread across multiple departments, agencies and programs that limited the government’s ability to have maximum impact. It will act as a developer, a financier, a convenor and a catalyst for an even more productive homebuilding sector. Canadians need more homes, and the Build Canada Homes act will help make it possible to build more quickly, more efficiently and at the scale that is required. In practical terms, since the Build Canada Homes initiative was launched, my office back home in Argenteuil—La Petite‑Nation has made it a priority to inform local stakeholders and get them involved. We believe that, to address the housing crisis, we need to not only put in place ambitious programs, but also ensure that businesses, developers and municipalities are aware of the tools at their disposal. That is the mandate of all members from all parties. Our mandate is to promote Build Canada Homes in our workplaces, in our ridings. By working together, we can accomplish more in each one of our ridings. In Argenteuil—La Petite‑Nation, for example, we have undertaken a major outreach effort targeting the construction industry. We compiled a list of businesses in our area so that we can send them the information about Build Canada Homes. We even made a list of businesses that are located outside of our riding but that do work in our riding and we invited them to participate in the information webinar put on by the federal government. The goal of these efforts is to encourage local businesses to participate and take advantage of the opportunities that this new initiative has to offer. Sometimes the first step is meeting with municipal representatives. There are 41 municipalities in my riding, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation, so it is important to raise awareness among RCM reeves, mayors and municipal councillors. When they get wind of a construction opportunity, we pass on the information. At the same time, we keep all of the municipalities informed about the program’s overall priorities. We see municipal governments as our indispensable partners in developing new residential projects. Keeping them informed in a timely manner about the opportunities that Build Canada Homes has to offer is imperative. Our message has always been clear. We want to ensure that projects carried out in our regions benefit our workers, businesses and communities. That is why we are also focused on using Canadian-sourced materials and modern, innovative construction methods, such as modular or prefabricated construction, to speed up housing starts while supporting our economy. Build Canada Homes investments are aimed at increasing the supply of affordable, community and non-market housing, while promoting shovel-ready projects that can make a lasting impact. Our role as MPs is to promote those opportunities, connect the right people and support local stakeholders in their efforts. We are fully committed to promoting the program. I encourage all my colleagues in the House to follow Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation’s lead by supporting promising initiatives and working with all partners in their regions. Every new housing project is an opportunity to meet the needs of families, workers, seniors and single-parent families. By providing our local partners with information, encouragement and guidance, we are taking concrete steps to help build more housing and strengthen our communities for years to come. The team Canada strong initiative will transform the skilled trades sector. It will create skilled jobs for workers, plumbers and electricians. This will help us become more prosperous and create jobs. It will attract more apprentices to the workforce. I come from the construction industry, specifically the trades. When government announcements are made at the right time, it helps attract students who are still in school and get them into apprenticeships. Our goal is to train the next generation of workers and create good jobs. This initiative will ensure that young Canadians are ready to build the housing and infrastructure we need. It will create new jobs, provide access to good jobs and strengthen Canada’s workforce of tomorrow. That is how, over time, we have developed trades that did not exist 20 or 25 years ago, like tiling, roofing and interior finishing. These are trades that involve vocational training and that are expected to continue to grow in the construction industry. The Government of Canada is taking decisive action now to transform our country and make it more resilient so that it can move from dependence to resilience. The goal is to make Canada one of the fastest-growing and most competitive economies in the world and to usher in a new era of economic security and prosperity for Canadians. I am proud to promote Build Canada Homes in Quebec because partners are getting on board. Organizations believe in it; the sector believes in it. Nothing is perfect, but at least we have an accountability mechanism that will enable us to track each individual project so we can deliver as many homes as possible, end the housing crisis and reduce rents. The Government of Canada is achieving this by leaning on solid foundations laid by strong Canadian industries. We are investing in our future and fostering economic growth through Build Canada Homes and the buy Canadian policy. As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will be funded by the initial $13‑billion allocation announced in the 2025 budget. Build Homes Canada was designed to consolidate federal support for affordable housing in one place by coordinating with other government departments and agencies, including the Government of Quebec. It is a partnership. The Government of Quebec is proud to be working with us to build a stronger Canada and a stronger Quebec.

Stéphane Lauzon, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation

Liberal
“I cannot give an exact number of homes or a fixed timeline. We are working hard with local towns and builders, and our goal is to build as many homes as possible.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, if you did not get a specific answer earlier, I cannot provide one now, either. It is not a fixed timeline. I have explained the process we are following in Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation. We send documents out all over the place, reach out to people, meet with entrepreneurs, secure municipal land and work with the RCMs. Our goal is ambitious. You are asking for a specific number, but there is no crystal ball when it comes to such a great program. The answer is that we want to build as many homes as possible.

Stéphane Lauzon, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation

Liberal
“This housing bill is great news. The other member is talking about the French language only to distract from how good this program is.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague, who is well aware that I am a staunch defender of the French language. Build Canada Homes is good news. My colleague would rather talk about the French language when we are debating Build Canada Homes. There is nothing but good news when it comes to Build Canada Homes. It is a very good program. My colleague is attacking the French language because there is nothing bad to say about Build Canada Homes.

Kevin Lamoureux, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Liberal
“Our government made a deal with Quebec to build affordable homes in big cities and rural areas. I want to know what the member thinks about this teamwork.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I wonder if my colleague can pick up on the fact that Build Canada Homes and the government have actually negotiated with and have an agreement with the Province of Quebec. We are seeing affordable homes that are going to be built in Quebec City, Montreal and other, rural communities. It is only a question of time. Those homes will, in fact, be delivered, and it shows the collaboration between both levels of government. I would like his thoughts on that.

Stéphane Lauzon, Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation

Liberal
“I made sure this housing plan works for rural areas. We are working with local town leaders, and new homes are already being built in my riding. Other rural members should do the same.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am staunch defender not only of the French language, but also of rural communities and the regions. Members are well aware of that. Throughout the process, I have worked to ensure that the regions and rural communities are included. I have explained exactly what approach to take in a riding where most of the municipalities are in rural areas. We need to work with the municipalities, municipal councillors, mayors, municipal departments and RCMs to promote Build Canada Homes. I have good news. It is working. It is working because we are getting responses and requests, and construction is under way. Construction is under way in rural communities and the regions. I would invite my Bloc Québécois colleagues and members who represent rural communities across Canada to follow the example of Argenteuil—La Petite-Nation.

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  20. Private Members' Business Corrections and Conditional Release Act 7 statements
  21. Government Orders Build Canada Homes Act 59 statements
  22. Government Orders Protecting Victims Act 106 statements
  23. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements