Ottawa, ON — It may be the Christmas season, but first-time homeowners may be receiving some coal in their stockings. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) is raising concerns over the federal government’s decision not to pass Bill C-4, which includes a GST relief rebate for new homes.
As stated by the CHBA, “Parliament is set to rise for winter break, once again having missed many opportunities to prioritize passing Bill C-4, which contains the long-promised GST rebate for new homes. The lack of action is keeping would-be buyers on the sidelines, amplifying Canada’s housing supply crisis, and further hurting a struggling home-building industry.”
According to the CHBA, this rebate was supposed to take effect on May 27, 2025. The delay led to homeowners who wanted to buy not being able to access the rebate and being priced out of the market.
The CHBA adds that, “If the House rises for the year before Bill C-4 is passed, implementation will be delayed until at least February — a delay Canadians and the industry can ill afford. The consequence of this parliamentary delay has been less housing being built, which is further increasing the housing supply gap and adding more housing challenges in many regions that are already suffering tremendously.”
In addition, the CHBA reports, via its Housing Market Index, that layoffs are a major issue nationwide, halting Canadian’s ability to afford homes. Specifically, 41 per cent of industry members have laid off workers, and in Ontario, the layoff number is 64 per cent.