April 29, 2025 – OTTAWA, ON

The Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association (GOHBA) congratulates the Liberal Party of Canada on securing a mandate to form the next federal government and calls for swift action on the housing promises outlined during the election campaign.

 

One of the most significant promises is the Liberal pledge to eliminate the GST on new homes priced at $1 million or less for first-time homebuyers – a crucial step toward improving housing affordability.

 

“Eliminating the GST is the most impactful measure the federal government can take to address Canada’s housing affordability crisis,” said Jason Burggraaf, Executive Director of GOHBA. “In Ottawa, this would mean tens of thousands of dollars in savings for first-time buyers of new homes.”

 

A recent analysis by GOHBA and PMA Brethour Realty Group shows that up to 70 per cent of new home sales in the Ottawa market would benefit from this proposed GST relief. GOHBA also calls on the Ontario government to follow suit by removing the provincial sales tax (PST) for first-time homebuyers on new homes under $1 million.

 

“Ottawa needs to build approximately 15,000 new homes annually to meet demand, ease pressure on affordability, and accommodate population growth,” said Burggraaf. “We’re encouraged by the federal government’s commitment and stand ready to assist in translating those promises into action.”

 

GOHBA offers its support and expertise to the government in fulfilling its housing pledges, which include:​

 

• Doubling housing starts to build 500,000 new homes annually over the next decade.
• Reintroducing tax incentives for purpose-built rental housing.
• Halving municipal development charges for multi-unit residential buildings.
• Modernizing the Building Code Act in Ontario to enable faster, simpler approvals.

 

“Every level of government has a role to play in tackling Canada’s housing crisis,” Burggraaf added. “The federal government’s role in enabling housing supply, especially scaling housing supply, is critical.”

 

GOHBA remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure that policies support housing affordability and supply for Ottawa’s current and future residents.