As part of our ongoing engagement with federal policymakers, Rental Housing Canada is advancing key recommendations ahead of the upcoming fall federal budget. Our advocacy is focused on targeted, high-impact measures to support the development of new purpose-built rental housing across the country.

RHC encourages the government to implement the following:

Recommendation #1: Development Charge Reform

  • At minimum, halve municipal development charges for five years through a coordinated approach to infrastructure funding programs, as promised in the 2025 Liberal Party Platform.

Recommendation #2: Multi-Unit-Rebate (MURB) / Capital Cost Allowance (CCA)

  • Make the accelerated CCA permanent, providing certainty for rental housing providers.
  • Coordinate this change with the introduction of a modernized Multi-Unit-Rebate (MURB) federal tax tool to further incentivize equity investment in purpose-built-rental, as promised in the 2025 Liberal Party Platform.

Recommendation #3: Capital Gains Deferral

  • Direct the Canada Revenue Agency to review Section 1031 exemptions (like-kind exchanges) used in the US to defer capital gains taxes for PBR projects.
  • Introduce a similar or equivalent program for Canadian developers, provided the proceeds are reinvested in new housing construction.

Recommendation #4: GST/ HST Rebate

  • Eliminate the sunset clause and make the GST/HST rebate for PBR construction permanent to provide long-term market stability for ongoing development.
  • Work with the provinces to eliminate their tax on purpose-built rental housing, ensuring federal-provincial alignment on housing growth.

Recommendation #5: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Reform

  • Direct CMHC to conduct a thorough program review to ensure funding seamlessly integrates with the needs of rental housing providers. The review should focus on;
    • Streamlining application processes.
    • Improving accessibility.
    • Removing unnecessary submission requirements.
    • Ensuring programs are fully funded and available.
  • Reduce the affordability requirements in the MLI Select program to increase utilization of the program for both new construction and refinancing.
  • Increase funding through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP)

Recommendation #6: Adjust Immigration Priorities

  • Adjust immigration and non-permanent-resident (NPR) programs to address workforce shortages in construction and trades.