4.07°C Vancouver

Sep 26, 2023 6:53 PM - The Canadian Press

Govt to provide $20 billion more for construction of rental houses: Freeland

Share On
govt-to-provide-20-billion-more-for-construction-of-rental-houses-freeland
The limit is being increased to $60 billion, which the federal government says will increase rental construction by 30,000 units annually.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the federal government is unlocking another $20 billion in low-cost financing for the construction of rental housing across Canada.

The federal government had an annual limit of $40 billion on its Canada Mortgage Bonds program, which raises funds for residential mortgage financing.

The limit is being increased to $60 billion, which the federal government says will increase rental construction by 30,000 units annually.

Freeland is making the announcement this afternoon alongside other cabinet ministers, including Housing Minister Sean Fraser.

The Liberals also introduced legislation last week to eliminate GST charges on rental developments as Ottawa ramps up efforts to increase the housing supply.

Experts say the shortage of purpose-built rentals is the most acute and is eroding housing affordability across the country.

Latest news

alberta-premier-says-she-has-not-signed-separation-petition-as-referendum-effort-continues
AlbertaFeb 13, 2026

Alberta premier says she has not signed separation petition as referendum effort continues

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she has not signed any citizen petitions currently circulating in the province, including one calling for a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada. Speaking alongside Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, Smith said the citizen initiative process is designed for members of the public and not elected officials. She added that her government is monitoring several petition efforts underway but is not directly participating in them. A group advocating for Alberta to become an independent country is working to gather the required signatures to trigger a
bangladesh-nationalist-party-secures-majority-in-general-election-regional-leaders-extend-congratulations
WorldFeb 13, 2026

Bangladesh Nationalist Party secures majority in general election, regional leaders extend congratulations

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has won a clear majority in Bangladesh’s general election, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape after nearly two decades. According to preliminary results, the BNP-led alliance secured 212 of the 299 parliamentary seats contested nationwide. An 11-party alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats, positioning it as the main opposition bloc in the new parliament. The outcome paves the way for BNP president Tarique Rahman to assume the office of prime minister. Rahman contested from two constituencies and was declared elected in b
parliament-approves-one-time-gst-credit-top-up-payments-expected-this-spring
CanadaFeb 13, 2026

Parliament approves one-time GST credit top-up, payments expected this spring

Canadians who receive the federal GST credit will see an additional one-time payment this spring after Parliament passed legislation accelerating changes to the benefit. The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit received royal assent after clearing the Senate, following earlier approval in the House of Commons. According to the federal Finance Department, the measure will deliver a top-up worth 50 per cent of a recipient’s regular GST credit. Officials say payments will be issued as early as possible this spring to eligible low and modest income households. In addition to the one-time boos
national-leaders-to-attend-vigil-in-tumbler-ridge-following-mass-shooting
CanadaFeb 13, 2026

National leaders to attend vigil in Tumbler Ridge following mass shooting

Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to join community members in Tumbler Ridge today for a public vigil honouring the nine people killed in a mass shooting earlier this week. The prime minister accepted an invitation from the town’s mayor and extended an invitation to other federal party leaders to stand in solidarity with the community. Representatives for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, NDP interim leader Don Davies and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May have confirmed they will attend. The joint appearance follows statements delivere
india-defence-council-clears-proposal-to-acquire-114-rafale-fighter-jets-from-france
IndiaFeb 12, 2026

India defence council clears proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France

India’s Defence Acquisition Council has approved a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter aircraft from France in a deal estimated at approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore, according to officials from the Ministry of Defence. The decision marks one of the largest defence procurement initiatives currently under consideration by the federal government. The council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also cleared several additional proposals aimed at strengthening India’s military capabilities. These include the acquisition of advanced missile systems and modern satellite-based technologie

Related News