Speaking Points For

Dino Chiesa, Chairman Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

38th Annual Congress of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association

Opening Plenary

Westin Hotel
Ottawa April 20, 2006
8:30 a.m.

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Thank you. I am very pleased to be here today.

As you may know, 2006 is a significant year for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation as it marks our 60th anniversary as Canada's national housing agency.

Over the years, CMHC has continued to evolve in order to better meet the changing needs of Canadians and the housing industry.

But throughout our history, partnership has always remained at the core of CMHC. We are proud to work toward our objectives with organizations like the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association. Our organizations share a productive history of serving Canadians.

New Government

Since your last conference, there have been many changes. We have a new Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation — the Honourable Diane Finley.

When the government recently outlined its direction in the Speech from The Throne, it indicated that it will look for shared goals and common ideas that will help Canadians build a stronger Canada. We know that good quality, affordable housing contributes to building a stronger Canada.

Importance of Housing

Everyone recognizes safe, quality housing as one of life’s essentials. The connection between access to good housing and social indicators such as health, education and employment is well-documented. Housing also represents an important part of all truly modern economies, and creates both jobs and investment opportunities.

The government believes that all Canadians should have a chance to own or rent safe, affordable, decent housing. As everyone in this room today knows, Canadians need good housing in our cities and communities and a healthy, liveable environment.

Housing Affordability

CMHC is already working on a number of fronts to help address the housing needs of Canadians.

As you know, we continue to deliver on the government’s commitment to support some 633,000 households through a contribution of $2 billion annually.

In addition, we are rolling out the $1 billion Affordable Housing Initiative, helping to deliver affordable housing for families, seniors, people with disabilities and Aboriginal people in communities across the country.

The government has indicated in its election platform that it will work with provinces and municipalities to develop an experimental low-income housing tax credit program that will complement our other housing programs.

In the Speech from the Throne, the government also reaffirmed its commitment to help ordinary working people and their families, by reducing the tax burden of Canadians over time. As a first step, the Goods and Services Tax is to be reduced by one percent. Cutting the GST will help all Canadians deal with the rising cost of living, put money back in people’s pockets and help stimulate the economy.

CMHC’s Partnership Centre also contributes to developing affordable housing. The Centre, which was established in 1991, has assisted non-profit and private sector proponents with an impressive 40,000 housing units across Canada.

Housing and Energy

CMHC also works to ensure that Canadian housing is durable, energy efficient and environmentally responsible, as well as suited to our unique Canadian environment.

There is an undeniable link between energy efficiency and affordable housing. CMHC has introduced a number of initiatives that are addressing housing affordability and energy efficiency in communities across the country.

I am pleased to report that there is good progress on the net zero initiative which will move new Canadian housing toward producing as much energy as it consumes on a yearly basis.

Importance of Partnership

Today, six decades after it was founded, CMHC’s strong network of stakeholders continues to be one of its most important assets. The long-standing partnership between CMHC and CHRA has served Canadians and the industry well.

On behalf of CMHC, I wish to thank CHRA and its members for the essential role you played in CMHC’s enduring success. Your continued commitment to affordable and good quality housing is commendable.

I am extremely proud to be Chairman of CMHC, especially as we celebrate this milestone year.

As you may know, I have also had the privilege of serving on the Boards of a number of worthwhile organizations.

This experience has allowed me to witness first hand the significant impact that good, quality housing can have on Canada’s communities — large and small, urban and rural.

As we have for 60 years, and as we look to the future, CMHC will continue to work with partners to share ideas and develop housing solutions and to build a better future for housing.   

Thank you.