By Curtis Mercer, CHBA President
CHBA began 2026 in full engagement mode.
On Feb. 10, I joined CHBA colleagues from across the country in Ottawa for CHBA’s annual Day on the Hill. It was one of the busiest yet as CHBA builders, renovators, developers and association staff came together to meet directly with federal ministers, MPs and senior officials to talk about housing supply, homeownership and affordability.
CHBA delegates had a record number of meetings with federal officials and wrapped up the day with a reception where we connected with several new MPs and Senators, bringing us to 91 total engagements with Parliamentarians (more details on page 16).
Connecting with policy makers
Throughout my time at the Association, I’ve always found Day on the Hill to be an excellent opportunity for CHBA members to speak directly to policymakers about what’s happening on the ground in homebuilding and renovation and what needs to change, building on CHBA advocacy throughout the year. This year for the Day on the Hill, we had three priority recommendations for government to help spur construction and get homeownership affordability back in line. They included expanding GST relief to all buyers of new homes and renovations that add new housing supply, working with municipalities to rein in excessive development charges, and fixing overly restrictive mortgage stress test rules. These recommendations are among several more that aim for long-term solutions to Canada’s housing supply and affordability crisis.
Overall, the event this year was great in terms of political engagement, and I’m excited to see how the conversations continue between parliamentarians and CHBA in the coming months. It was good to see Bill C-4 finally pass after months of constant engagement by CHBA urging parliamentarians and senators to “get the job done;” first-time homebuyers can now finally access long-awaited GST relief. And of course, CHBA continues the push to have that exemption extended, per the focus on the Hill and many other CHBA advocacy activities.
As I continue my time as national president, as a CHBA member from Newfoundland, I’m always struck by how similar our issues are from coast to coast: We’re all facing affordability pressures, labour shortages, rising material costs and the need for coordinated action across all levels of government. That’s why it’s so important to be engaged in the association, so that we can speak to policymakers with cohesive messaging and keep market-rate housing front and centre on government dockets. If you’re not already involved in a committee or council, or if you haven’t yet attended a CHBA event, I’d encourage you to do so.
Home Building Week
CHBA’s next major event – one I’d say is the biggest of the year for the residential construction industry – is coming up in May. Home Building Week is happening in beautiful Quebec City, and it will be the place to connect with industry colleagues, learn about the latest products and innovations, and hear all about how CHBA is working for you. If you’re not already slated to attend, I’d encourage you to register at chba.ca/homebuildingweek. Speaking from experience, I can honestly say that association engagement is invaluable for your business, the industry and CHBA as it advocates on your behalf.
As I head into more travel in the spring, I look forward to hearing from even more members so I can carry your perspectives back to Ottawa. Together, we can inspire real change.
