Skip to Main content

10.5°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Sep 21, 2023 5:57 PM - The Canadian Press

Freeland introduces bill to remove GST off rental developments

Share On

freeland-introduces-bill-to-remove-gst-off-rental-developments

The bill is also supposed to strengthen the Competition Bureau by giving it the power to compel information from companies to conduct studies, tighten up merger laws and go after collaborations that stifle competition.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland introduced legislation this morning that would remove GST charges from new rental developments and update the country's competition law.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised the new legislation earlier this month to address the housing crisis and affordability crunch.

Experts have called on the federal government to remove GST charges off new purpose-built rentals to help spur construction of these kinds of homes.

The bill is also supposed to strengthen the Competition Bureau by giving it the power to compel information from companies to conduct studies, tighten up merger laws and go after collaborations that stifle competition.

The changes to the Competition Act follow a promise from the Liberals to review the law.

Freeland, along with several other cabinet ministers, are to hold a news conference this afternoon about the new legislation.

Latest news

public-safety-minister-says-more-safeguards-needed-against-alleged-foreign-interference-linked-to-india

CanadaFeb 26, 2026

Public Safety Minister says more safeguards needed against alleged foreign interference linked to India

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says Canada still has work ahead to ensure individuals acting on behalf of India are not intimidating or coercing people on Canadian soil. Speaking to reporters during Mark Carney’s visit to India, Anandasangaree said there remain unresolved concerns related to the safety and security of Canadians. His comments follow questions about whether agents connected to the Indian government are currently involved in extortion or threats of violence in Canada. A senior federal official, speaking on background during the same briefing, said Ottawa believes su

AlbertaFeb 26, 2026

Human remains found near Eden Valley identified as 24 year old Calgary man, RCMP say

Alberta RCMP say human remains discovered earlier this month near a historic site south of Eden Valley have been identified as a 24 year old man from Calgary. Officers were called on February 4 after emergency crews responded to a grass fire in the rural area. Once the flames were extinguished, first responders located a burned out vehicle at the scene. A body was later found inside the vehicle. Mounties have not publicly released the man’s name, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to notify family members. Police also have not confirmed the cause of death. RCMP say the circumstanc

u-s-vice-president-says-federal-medicaid-payments-to-minnesota-paused-amid-fraud-probe

WorldFeb 26, 2026

U.S. Vice-President says federal Medicaid payments to Minnesota paused amid fraud probe

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily suspend part of Minnesota’s Medicaid funding while federal officials investigate suspected fraud, Vice-President JD Vance said on Wednesday. Vance described the step as part of a broader effort by the administration to address what it calls “waste, fraud and abuse” in federally supported programs. The funding pause affects certain federal matching dollars that help the state deliver Medicaid services to eligible residents. Medicaid is the principal public health insurance program for low-income Americans. According to fede

b-c-urges-swift-senate-approval-of-bill-c-12-amid-concerns-over-extortion-cases

B.C. urges swift Senate approval of Bill C-12 amid concerns over extortion cases

The British Columbia government is calling on federal lawmakers to move quickly on proposed legislation aimed at preventing organized crime groups from exploiting Canada’s immigration system while involved in extortion and other serious offences. Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger has written to federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs, urging the Senate to advance Bill C-12 without delay. The province says the proposed reforms would address legal gaps that have been used by some i

iran-and-united-states-to-resume-nuclear-talks-in-switzerland-amid-rising-regional-tensions

WorldFeb 26, 2026

Iran and United States to Resume Nuclear Talks in Switzerland Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Iran and the United States are preparing to begin a third round of negotiations in Switzerland aimed at reviving discussions around Tehran’s nuclear program, even as tensions between the two countries continue to rise. Officials from both sides say they prefer a political and diplomatic resolution to the long running dispute. The talks are scheduled to begin in Geneva, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a meeting Wednesday with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. Oman has previously played a mediating role between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials described the m

Related News

Public Safety Minister says more safeguards needed against alleged foreign interference linked to India

Public Safety Minister says more safeguards needed against alleged foreign interference linked to India

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says Canada still has work ahead to ensure individuals acting on behalf of India are not intimidating or coercing people on Canadian soil. Speaking to reporters during Mark Carney’s visit to India, Anandasangaree said there remain unresolved concerns related to the safety and security of Canadians. His comments follow questions about whether agents connected to the Indian government are currently involved in extortion or threats of violence in Canada. A senior federal official, speaking on background during the same briefing, said Ottawa believes su

Prime Minister Mark Carney begins 10 day Indo Pacific tour with first official visit to India

Prime Minister Mark Carney begins 10 day Indo Pacific tour with first official visit to India

Prime Minister Mark Carney is departing today on a 10 day tour of the Indo Pacific region, beginning with his first official visit to India since taking office. He is expected to arrive in Mumbai on Thursday as part of efforts to rebuild diplomatic and trade ties between the two countries. Senior federal officials signalled ahead of the visit that Canada no longer views India as being involved in foreign interference or violent incidents within Canada. The shift is being described in Ottawa as a significant diplomatic reset following a period of strained relations between the two governments.

Federal ministers signal possible AI safety reforms after OpenAI handling of B.C. shooting case

Federal ministers signal possible AI safety reforms after OpenAI handling of B.C. shooting case

Federal ministers say Ottawa is prepared to consider new safeguards around artificial intelligence tools following questions about how OpenAI handled warning signs linked to a deadly shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. The issue has drawn national attention after reports revealed that the accused shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, had been removed from OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform months before the February 10 killings. According to reporting first published by The Wall Street Journal, the account was shut down over troubling posts that referenced violent scenarios, including gun use. Howe

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital