January 10, 2006 - Liberal Response to the Canadians for Properly Built Homes Election 2006 List of Issues

January 10, 2006
Liberal Response to the Canadians for Properly Built Homes Election 2006 List of Issues

Dear Canadians for Properly Built Homes:

Thank you for your interest in the Liberal Party’s approach to these issues. Homes are the very foundation upon which healthy communities are built. They are a basic need, as well as being a key factor in building individual dignity and achieving prosperity. Though housing markets are local in nature, the Federal Government plays an important role in supporting a national housing system. By collaborating closely with all levels of government, community organizations and the housing industry, the Liberal government has achieved great success in delivering safe, affordable housing options to all Canadians, including the most vulnerable.

Through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the government spends approximately $2 billion annually to support over 636,000 households across the country. A new Liberal government will commit $1.6 billion towards a new Canada Housing Framework, and to increase support for social and affordable housing. The new Canada Housing Framework is intended to cover all aspects of housing, from emergency shelter to assistance for homeowners. In January 2005, we started a national consultation process seeking broad input towards the new Canada Housing Framework. Canadian were asked to submit their views, in writing or at public consultations.

It is the dream of many Canadians to own a home. Housing starts reached an average of over 230,000 units in 2004, the highest annual level in 17 years, and 6.9 percent above the previous year’s level. Under Canada’s Constitution Act, building regulation is the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments. However, most provinces and territories have passed legislation adopting either the National Model Building Code, or variations that include provincial and territorial additions, exemptions or amendments.

To keep pace with changes, and to ensure that the latest innovations and applications are applied safely, a new version of the National Building Code is published approximately every five years. Last year, more than 800 new technical requirements were added to the 2005 National Building Code to deal with technical advances in building-construction and to deal with health concerns that were raised after the 1995 edition. All requirements are linked to one or more of the four following top objectives:

Safety, including structural safety;
Health, including indoor conditions, sanitation, noise protection, vibration and deflection limitation and hazardous substances containment;
accessibility; and,
fire and the structural protection of buildings, including structural sufficiency of the building.

The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) develops Canada's national model codes through a consensus-based process that relies on the voluntary contributions of public and private sector experts from across Canada. Many provinces and territories have expanded the scope of the NBC's provisions in their own jurisdiction.

This Liberal government also provides funding to help ensure that Canadians’ homes are safe, healthy and efficient. For example, in November 2005, the Liberal Government announced a one year extension of $128.1 million in funding for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP). The RRAP program helps low income home owners bring their homes up to minimum health and safety standards. As well, the CMHC’s Emergency Repair program provides assistance to low-income homeowners, or occupants in rural areas, to undertake emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their homes. Moreover, in November 2004, the CMHC unveiled two new energy efficiency initiatives, designed to help meet Canada's climate change objectives and provide cleaner air and healthier communities for all Canadians.

First, CMHC is offering a 10 percent "green refund" on its mortgage loan insurance premiums for homeowners who buy or build an energy-efficient home, or make energy-saving renovations to their existing homes. This initiative will help promote the construction of new energy efficient buildings.

Second, funding for RRAP has been expanded to include renovations and retrofits that will improve energy performance for lower-income homeowners.

In conclusion, a new Liberal government is committed to developing a long term housing strategy that serves all Canadians. Again, I thank you for your interest in this important issue.