January 10, 2006
Conservative Party of Canada response to enquiry from Canadians for Properly Built Homes

The Conservative Party of Canada believes that all homes built in Canada should be structurally sound and safe for their residents. The Federal Government does have a role to play in ensuring that homes built in Canada meet certain standards though the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. A Conservative government will enforce these standards and work with the provincial governments to ensure that all homes are safe, healthy, durable and energy efficient.

The Conservative party is committed to a housing policy that would encourage cooperation among all levels of government, plus the not-for-profit and private sectors to ensure that Canadians are able to access safe, affordable housing. A Conservative government will work with the provinces and municipalities to develop framework agreements that help low-income city dwellers access affordable housing, through the use of tax incentives for private sector builders.

A Conservative government will also take a more consultative approach to housing policy where citizen groups and all levels of government will be brought into the process at the earliest stages to ensure that Canada’s housing policy meets the needs of today’s consumers. 

There are other measures that the Conservative party has taken that will lead to a more competitive housing sector including making it easier for people to build homes that are more energy efficient and are of a higher quality. The Conservative party has pledged to reduce the GST from 7% to 6% to 5% as a means of reducing the cost of the GST for all Canadians, including those who buy new homes.

A Conservative government would develop a policy of broad based tax relief, income support programs and tax incentives, to make home ownership and rental accommodation more attainable and accessible.

A Conservative government will address homelessness by assisting in the provision of shelters and by recognizing, addressing and seeking solutions to contributing factors of homelessness. A Conservative government will partner and link with the respective jurisdictions of provincial, territorial and municipal governments, business initiatives and the work of social agencies and non-profit organizations, in dealing with housing, homelessness, social infrastructure and related support services, such as skills development, literacy, substance abuse treatment, health and social development.

The Conservative party has developed a comprehensive package for encouraging young Canadians to enter the trades, including homebuilding. These will be people trained in the newest ways to build energy efficient, safer homes. Steps in this program include a Tools Tax Deduction for up to $500 spent on tools; a $1000 Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for two years for apprentices in approved programs; and an employers’ Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit of 10 per cent of an apprenticeship’s wages for two years to a maximum of $2000.

At the same time, the Conservative party has also pledged to raise the small business threshold from $300,000 to $400,000, and lower the small business tax rate from 12 to 11 per cent over five years. These steps will help employers provide opportunities to new, young skilled tradespeople.

We believe that these policies taken together will provide all levels of government the tools needed to enforce regulations that will ensure that all homes are safe, healthy, durable, and energy efficient. 

Kind regards and thank you for your enquiry.

The Conservative Party of Canada.