QUESTION PERIOD — Families, Children and Social Development
National Housing Strategy
April 4, 2019
Honourable senators, my question is directed to the Government Representative.
Senator Harder, as a senator from Toronto, I know that a significant number of people rely on affordable housing. I was happy to see that this government set aside just over $1 billion to increase energy efficiency in buildings across Canada, and that about one third of that funding was directed toward affordable housing innovations.
We know that the residents of affordable housing units often face challenges with degrading and inefficient buildings, and as a result they often pay disproportionately higher bills. We also know that 17 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions come from residential, commercial and institutional buildings.
The money set aside in this budget was a one-time allotment to the Green Municipal Fund and this is to be commended. There is no question about that. However, more needs to be done.
According to Canada Green Building Council, creating an economy for housing retrofits will require sustained government support and investment. Given the social, economic and environmental benefits of a retrofit economy, we cannot rely on a limited revolving fund.
Senator Harder, my question is this: How does this government plan to promote an economy that supports affordable and scalable housing retrofits going forward? Is there a plan for more increased investments in this area?
Again, I thank the honourable senator for her question. If my memory serves me right, I believe this is the first question from the honourable senator and I congratulate her.
Her area of priority is fitting given her residence in Toronto.
I won’t repeat the preamble’s investment announcements with respect to the Green Municipal Fund and the $1 billion that the government in its budget is investing. I do want to highlight elements of National Housing Strategy led by Minister Duclos. Over the next 10 years, up to $200 million in federal lands will be transferred to housing providers to encourage and develop affordable housing units, and this fund will also be utilized for renovations and retrofits.
As to whether additional funding streams will be added or are contemplated over future budgets, I will certainly bring the concerns of the honourable senator to the attention of the minister, but the funds that I have spoken about are those that the government has already committed to.
