toward a national housing strategy - liberal party of canada · 2013-01-18 · toward a national...

TOWARD A NATIONAL HO USING STRATEGY

DRAFT – January 2013 Submitted by: Liberal Party of Canada in BC Standing Policy Committe

Toward a National Housing Strategy - Liberal Party of Canada in BC | of 18

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

Policy Resolution 46: National Housing Strategy……………………………………………………………… 4

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

Tax Policy.............................................................................................................................. 8

Affordability for Families………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8

Rental Housing……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9

Options for Seniors………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10

Homelessness in Metro Vancouver…and Beyond……………………………………………………………… 11

Summary of Conclusions and Recommendations………………………………………………………………. 15

Next Steps………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17

Appendix…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18

TA BL E OF CO NTENTS


I NTRO DUCTIO N

Delegates attending the Liberal Party of Canada’s January 2012 Biennial Policy Convention in

Ottawa took the first step in defining the scope of a national housing policy, by unanimously

voting in favour of a resolution co-sponsored by the Liberal Party of

Canada - British Columbia (LPC-BC) and the Northern and Western

Liberal Caucus. The approved resolution promotes:

Federal tax policies to encourage the building and

maintaining of long term affordable rental and co-op

housing

Measures to prevent and address homelessness

Social housing, low-income rental housing, co-op housing,

and middle-income housing partnerships with other levels of

government, service providers and private sector

This paper highlights the tax policy and homelessness elements of the resolution. The tax measures are focused on affordability for families and seniors. The section on homelessness reflects on the national challenge in Metro Vancouver – and beyond. Consideration of resources required to implement recommendations described in this report is based on funding commitments identified for housing initiatives in the 2011 LPC election platform. We recommend two year plans be extended in the next platform to at least five years. In addition to addressing two elements of the national housing resolution in this paper, the LPC-BC Standing Policy Committee has identified development of a First Nations housing strategy as its priority for the coming year – in partnership with the LPC-BC Aboriginal People’s Commission.

2011

Election Platform Summary: Housing

Implement a new $400 million Green Renovation Tax Credit targeting home renovations.

Commitment to cover 50% of the cost of home energy audits.

Increased federal investment in affordable housing by $550 million over two years.

Flexibility and openness to innovative approaches such as tax incentives and loan guarantees.

Emphasis on needs of people with disabilities, as well as Northern and Aboriginal communities.

Mandate a national task force to examine the systemic causes of missing and murdered Aboriginal women.


P OL ICY R ESO LUTIO N 4 6 : N ATIO NA L HO USIN G STR AT EGY

Passed January 15 2012 at the Ottawa 2012 Biennial Convention WHEREAS every Canadian deserves a home; WHEREAS provincial jurisdiction over housing has created a fractious system that promotes an environment in which some provinces and cities work hard to combat homelessness and to create affordable housing while others do little or nothing; WHEREAS there is a correlation between homelessness, mental health and addictions, and homelessness is not limited to large or medium sized communities, it is an issue in all communities across Canada; WHEREAS tens of thousands of people are homeless and families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population; BE IT RESOLVED that:

a comprehensive national housing strategy be developed that includes social housing, low-income rental housing, co-op housing, and middle- income housing in partnership with other levels of government service providers and business

this national housing strategy should employ federal tax policy to encourage the building and maintaining of long-term affordable rental and co-op housing

specific measures be included in the national housing strategy to prevent and address homelessness

LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA 2011 PLATFORM "According to CMHC, one-quarter of households face affordability problems, meaning that more than 30% of their income is spent on housing. 13% of homes are in need of major repairs, or are unsuitable for the number of people living in them. The figures are even worse for seniors and new Canadians and, of course, they don’t even address the homeless…The federal government has been an unreliable presence in affordable housing in recent years. A long-term commitment to partnership with other levels of government is needed."


O VE R VIEW

Since the LPC-BC/Northern and Western Caucus policy resolution was approved at the January 2012

national convention in Ottawa, housing has remained a hot issue for Canadians – emerging as a

more significant factor in the health of Canada’s economy.

Despite the growing importance of housing policy to Canada’s economic success, national

partnerships are expiring and the Conservative Finance Minister has confirmed his interest in

divesting the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

This admission represents a further devolution of the federal government’s role in the health,

safety, and economic security of Canadians – a clear contrast with the proactive Liberal approach

supported unanimously by delegates at the national Liberal Convention in January 2012.

Here are some reports and opinions that have been published over the past year on housing issues:

FEBRUARY 1, 2012 – Canadian municipal leaders call on the federal government to provide low-

interest loans for the construction of rental housing and tax credits to discourage demolition of

existing rental properties. Berry Vrbanovic, President of the Canadian Federation of Municipalities

said, “One-third of Canadians are renters but for the past decade, new rental housing accounted for

just 10% of all residential construction.” (Post Media)

APRIL 27, 2012 – The federal government is increasing its scrutiny of CMHC and over $500 billion in

higher-risk mortgages due to concerns about the fragility of Canada’s housing market. (Globe and Mail)

What is the federal government’s role in housing policy today?

The Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development is accountable for housing policy

in the current Government. In addition to overseeing the Canadian Mortgage and Housing

Corporation (CMHC), this responsibility includes administration of a small number of

expiring provincial partnerships. The Minister of Finance and the Bank of Canada also play

important roles in national housing policy via responsibilities associated with lending

institutions.

CMHC’s role has changed many times since it was created more than 60 years ago. Initially

concerned primarily with improving access to mortgages in an era before the chartered

banks made mortgage loans, CMHC has been into just about every area of housing need

since.

In its most recent annual report, CMHC indicates that only 5% of its insured loans are for

over $550,000 (its highest bracket). The majority of loans it insures are in the range of

$100,000 and $400,000 at 71%.


O VE R VIEW

MAY 27, 2012 – Former Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge says the car has become an accidental architect of cities over the last century. He promotes mixed-use, 3-6 story, urban housing in dense, well-designed public spaces and says, “Houses in these neighbourhoods use 70% less energy and car use is reduced due to local employment, innovative urban design and good transit.” (Province Newspaper) JUNE 2, 2012 – The Globe and Mail reports on the growing number of “land-rich baby boomers” buying homes for their children. Because parents have clear title to their homes, many borrow against that equity or use their retirement savings to help their kids purchase homes. JUNE 21, 2012 – The federal government announces more changes to mortgage rules to make it harder for Canadians to get loans and purchase a home. JULY 5, 2012 – The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) says high rents are holding back Canada’s economy. A new FCM report says lack of affordable rental housing does not just negatively affect the bottom line and quality of life for people. It is also negatively impacting Canada’s economy.” (Vancouver Sun)

AUGUST 30, 2012 – A jump in claims has “pinched” CMHC’s insurance business. They say the

increased losses suggest more borrowers are unable to make payments and/or lost their

homes. (Globe and Mail)

SEPTEMBER 7, 2012 – The door is shutting on first time home buyers. They say sales in Toronto and Vancouver have slowed since Ottawa changed the mortgage rules in June. (Globe and Mail)

As one of the single largest expenditures in a household’s budget, access to affordable

housing plays an important role in helping to break the dynamics of poverty and low

income. Not only does Surrey’s Social Plan identify housing affordability and homelessness

as a priority for the City but the City has taken an active role in working to identify

strategies and partnerships that can help to provide an expanded range of housing options

for those who need it most.

–

Surrey Poverty Reduction Plan, July 2012


O VE R VIEW

SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 – The federal government new mortgage rules are hurting home sales. They report the value of all residential units sold in BC last month is down 25% from 2011. (Vancouver Sun) OCTOBER 1, 2012 – “Stephen Harper's Conservative government should take a lead role in establishing and implementing a nationwide strategy to take people off the streets...For a government bent on trimming costs and ferreting out efficiencies, getting a handle on homelessness seems like a no-brainer. It has the potential to save taxpayer dollars and makes long-term financial sense.” (Kamloops Daily News editorial)

OCTOBER 29, 2012 – The Globe and Mail reports BC social-housing activists fear the coming end of Ottawa subsidies. They suggest municipalities like Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey – with the oldest social-housing buildings - are likely to be hit first with a potential loss of units or increased rents. They report the situation could become very problematic for small community groups – often ethnic associations or service organizations – that don’t have a big portfolio of land. The BC Co-op Housing Federation’s director says, “It’s this big tsunami. Households that count now on this to make their rents affordable will be hit hard. It’s huge, absolutely huge.” DECEMBER 17, 2012 – Commissioner Wally Oppal of the Missing Women Inquiry released a 1400 page report that included 63 recommendations – many related to improving the lives of homeless women at risk in Metro Vancouver. DECEMBER 22, 2012 – Homeless Families a growing concern in Metro Vancouver…Significant percentage of people served in shelters are children.” (Vancouver Sun)

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty says his

interventions in the housing market are

at an end and he would like to see the

CMHC privatized in the next 5-10 years.

– Globe and Mail, October 22, 2012


TA X PO LICY

The resolution approved in January 2012 at the Liberal Party of Canada's Biennial Policy Convention in Ottawa called for the exploration of federal tax policies to encourage the building and maintaining of affordable rental housing. This section of the paper provides some specific proposals to help achieve this goal.

AFFORDABILITY FOR FAMILIES

Since housing affordability is measured differently from household to household, opinions of

what governments can and should do to improve the status quo vary. This extends to what the

appropriate housing role is for each level of government.

These discussions normally end in recommendations for more direct federal investment in

publicly financed housing. Today, we must recognize limits as to what level of subsidy the public

sector can afford to house Canadians - and political limits to which taxpayers will pay for such

subsidies.

In this light, it is important to consider what options the federal government has on the limited

number of elements that impact housing affordability for Canadians.

Price of Land - There is not much government can do about this short of causing deflation or initiating disposal of significant federal assets.

Unit Size and Configuration - The average size of new homes in Canada has doubled over the past 40 years - leading to a parallel demand for more space in subsidized housing. There is little governments can do to reverse consumer demand for more size – particularly for young families.

Cost of Money – Interest rates already rest at historically low levels.

Operating Costs - Administering and operating public housing is invariably more costly than

privately operated rental housing – requiring significant ongoing taxpayer investments. Current national agreements are expiring.

Taxation – Some federal tax applications discourage investment in rental housing

construction and more effective use of existing housing stock. Taxation should be the priority tool the federal government can apply to help increase

the supply of affordable rental housing in Canada and create more options for retiring

seniors.


RENTAL HOUSING

Approximately 33% of Canadians are renters and most of them live in housing owned by the

private sector. This reality is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future because there is no

way funding needed to increase the housing stock can be made available exclusively by the

public sector.

Making rental housing a more attractive investment for private investors should be the top

priority for any national affordable housing strategy. This starts with improving the tax

treatment of such investments.

The federal Ministry of Finance has consistently opposed significant tax measures to encourage

private investment in affordable rental housing. Instead of producing data to justify the current

set of discriminatory tax policies, they have successfully scared elected officials away for action

with unfounded revenue loss predictions.

This approach has taken us away from Canadian tax policies established in the 1950s that

generously attracted rental investment. By 1971, there were more rental units started than

ownership units. As these tax policies regressed during the 1980s, a generation of tenants

settled for higher rents and less availability. Now investment is discouraged by our federal tax

system.

In contrast, we recommend the adoption of a neutral tax policy to encourage new investment

and level the playing field for rental housing investors.

This approach would:

Treat rental investment the same in principle as other comparable investments by allowing

small business rental investors to qualify for small business tax treatment

Reduce GST payments on rental housing

Defer the taxation of capital gains capital cost allowance recapture for rental investors who

sell a rental building and buy another within a year as is currently applied for hotels, motels

and family farms


OPTIONS FOR SENIORS

Another failure of current federal tax policy affects distribution of housing stock as a response

to emerging demographic issues – particularly challenges associated with our aging society’s

ability to maintain a decent income and appropriate housing during retirement.

Addressing this challenge requires recognition that housing stock is poorly distributed now. A

growing share is over-consumed by empty nesters while there is over-crowding by young

families who need exactly that kind of housing. It is increasingly common for large single-family

homes to be occupied for years by one or two people (“mom and/or dad”) after children leave

home.

Even if seniors – or soon to be seniors - in these big homes wanted to consider a more

manageable home, Canada’s tax policy on asset growth penalizes them for choosing other

housing options more suited to their current needs and lifestyle. For example:

Because there is no capital gains tax on an owner-occupied home and house prices are high there is incentive for mom and/or dad to occupy their $500,000 home longer than needed

If mom and/or dad want to travel more and move into a smaller home they are looking at a purchase price of $250,000 for a nice condo or townhouse

Mom and/or dad will have to pay income tax on the $250,000 income from the capital they realize from the sale of their home

From this mom and/or dad will be pushed into a higher tax bracket and may lose OAP support or other benefits

Costs associated with selling a home will further reduce mom and/or dad’s $250,000 nest egg by as much as 30%.

We believe that a better distribution of the housing stock is plainly in the public interest and that the federal government should introduce incentives for seniors to free up the stock of underutilized large houses for young families by:

Providing tax deductions for real estate and moving fees for seniors – as is the case for

people who move for employment Creating a tax free savings account for seniors to place earnings generated from the sale

of their home Instead of having a negative impact on government revenue, these measures will stimulate the economy by providing opportunities for a healthier and more prosperous retirement income for seniors and new housing opportunities for young families. Retired seniors on a fixed income will save money by using less energy and no longer having to pay significant costs to maintain their home. Without maintenance, large old homes can deteriorate; reduce value and present health and safety risks.


HO ME LESS NESS I N METR O VAN COU VER …A ND B EYON D

Focusing housing affordability solutions on modest improvements to our tax system allows

limited taxpayer resources to be prioritized for the most vulnerable members of our society.

The housing resolution approved at the Liberal Party of Canada's January 2012 Convention

included an emphasis on preventing homelessness and the principle that every Canadian

deserves a home.

This paper provides recommendations on this element through the lens of Metro Vancouver.

They may be applied to homelessness in other Canadian cities and based on the following

premises:

Homeless is an issue in many communities across BC and Canada – large and small. Families are a rapidly growing segment of the homeless population. Estimates suggest over 150,000 Canadians experience homelessness on a yearly basis. Estimates suggest 30% of homeless in Canada suffer from mental health and/or addiction

issues. First Nations women are particularly at risk. A fragmented Canadian housing system leads to some jurisdictions doing more than others. 2011 figures estimate more than 2600 homeless Canadians live in Metro Vancouver.

IN CONTRAST TO THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT’S INCREASING INDIFFERENCE AND LEGAL

BATTLES WITH CARE PROVIDERS, A FEDERAL LIBERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD PRESENT ITSELF

AS PART OF THE SOLUTION TO THE CHALLENGE OF HOMELESSNESS, DRUG ADDICTION AND

MENTAL ILLNESS IN METRO VANCOUVER - AND COMMUNITIES ACROSS CANADA.

How can homelessness exist in a country as wealthy as Canada? Can we feel complete as a

society while this poverty presents itself in one of the world’s richest countries?

For Liberals, this challenge should represent the difference between what we want to be as a

country and what we are. We think this is work the Liberal Party of Canada is made for.

“An SFU study has been looking at a new question about homeless people in BC – what each one costs taxpayers a year. The answer is $55,000/person or an annual total of $644.3 million in

health, corrections and social services spending for all the homelessness in BC.” – Vancouver Sun front page – March 22, 2008


HO ME LESS NESS IN M ETRO VAN COU VER …A ND B EYO ND

Instead of reaching out the most vulnerable members of our society, the current federal

government has demonstrated only a sporadic interest in current policy challenges in Metro

Vancouver and across Canada. Here are some examples:

OPERATING AGREEMENTS FOR SOCIAL HOUSING - These federal/provincial agreements expire prior to the next federal election. A 2005 study by the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association found many partnerships will likely be “non-viable” once the agreements expired. Even with existing subsidies, some agencies are experiencing yearly deficits.

HOMELESSNESS PARTNERING STRATEGY - Initiated by the Chrétien government in 1999, this

national initiative is expiring. Speculation exists that the Conservative government will end the program in favour of unconditional transfers to the provincial governments.

NO NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY - Many solutions to homelessness require

an adequate supply of affordable housing. While middle-class incomes stagnate or decline, the federal government has no strategy.

NO NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERSHIP - Extensive literature exists on the relationship

between homelessness and poor mental and physical health. The Harper government has abandoned any leadership role on national health policy while announcing plans to scale back future transfer payment increases to the provinces.

MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA - The Harper government has refused to extend

an innovative program that has helped get homeless people with concurrent disorders off the streets and into supportive housing.

“For almost three years, 300 of the (Vancouver)’s most troubled residents – many of whom had lived on the streets for years – have been provided with guaranteed housing and a

barrage of support through a federal research project. But the money for that project runs out in six months and there’s no sign from the federal government that there will be an extension,

which had been expected by the end of September.” – Globe and Mail, October 8, 2012



Recognizing provincial and municipal jurisdictions for emergency services, we believe the federal

government should focus investments on strategic, long-term community-based plans to end

homelessness and leverage strategic investments from private and non-profit partners.

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness is an example of one organization that has created

a community-based plan to shift the focus from managing homelessness to ending it. They have

identified a series of essential elements that should be a part of any community’s strategy:

PLANNING - Encompassing evidence-based information, measurable outcomes and key

milestones.

PREVENTION - Vulnerable populations must be on the radar of governments in a

multifaceted collaborative strategy. For example, the end to state-administered

institutionalization without community transition is a significant cause of many of the

homeless.

SERVICES – The transition to housing must be complemented by already existing community

programs that allow for those exiting homelessness to achieve sustained independence.

COORDINATED SYSTEM OF CARE - Organizing and coordinating the patchwork of public, non-

profit programs and agencies that serve poor and homeless individuals and families.

HOUSING SUPPLY- The homelessness population must be connected rapidly to interactions

with housing and social supports to ensure those with the greatest need are matched with

emerging opportunities.

INCOME - To exit homelessness entirely, an individual needs a source of income.

DATA, RESEARCH & BEST PRACTISES - Creating nationally accepted standards for defining,

quantifying and identifying common approaches to tackle homelessness.

“The federal government should fund housing projects for homeless people who can leave shelters through a Housing First Fund and play a leading role

(through Statistics Canada) in data collation and analysis.” – Mowat Centre Report, December 2012



In this light, we recommend the federal government should:

Renew federal/provincial social housing operating agreements and the homelessness partnering strategy.

Re-establish a federal leadership role on public health policy – particularly related to mental illness, disease prevention, health promotion and addiction treatment.

Include the construction of supportive housing in future national infrastructure program.

Appoint Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Support the neutral tax policy proposed in this paper to encourage more private sector investment in affordable rental housing.

Create an office of a National Mental Health Ombudsman who will issue an Annual Report for Parliament on the status of mental health care in Canada.

Implement and fund the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s report: “Changing Directions, Changing Lives: A Mental Health Strategy for Canada”

To help address the national problem of homelessness in Metro Vancouver, a federal Liberal government should re-establish and improve tri-level Vancouver Agreement to:

Extend jurisdiction to all Metro Vancouver municipalities and significantly increase previous funding levels

Facilitate more private sector participation in solutions - in partnership with Vancouver’s Street to Home Foundation and Surrey’s Homelessness and Housing Society

Help implement recommendations of Missing Women Public Inquiry

Support community prevention, treatment, housing and employment partnerships

Consolidate federal decision-making between departments regarding application of program funds and other federal assets in the region – particularly as it relates to First Nations programs


SU MMA RY OF CON CLU SIO NS A ND RE COM ME NDATI ON S

THE LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA SHOULD INCLUDE A STRONG NATIONAL HOUSING STRATEGY IN ITS NEXT CAMPAIGN PLATFORM. Funding levels identified for housing commitments in 2011 LPC platform should be maintained in next campaign and extended to at least five years. To help increase the supply of affordable housing for families we recommend a tax policy that encourages new investment in rental housing and includes:

A neutral tax policy that levels the playing field for investors.

Treating rental investment the same in principle as other comparable investments by

allowing small business rental investors to qualify for small business tax treatment.

Reduced GST payments on rental housing

Defer the taxation of capital gains capital cost allowance recapture for rental investors who

sell a rental building and buy another within a year - as is currently applied for hotels,

motels and family farms

To encourage better distribution of housing stock to address emerging demographic

challenges, the national housing strategy should:

Include modest incentives for families considering more manageable accommodation which

can also deliver a more prosperous and secure retirement income and recognize aging

parents reduced ability to maintain a large home.

Provide tax deductions for moving costs and legal and real estate fees to seniors choosing

smaller homes.

Eliminate income tax on earnings from the sale of a seniors’ home if the funds are invested

in a Tax Free Savings Account.


SU MMA RY OF CON CLU SIO NS A ND RE COM ME NDATI ON S

To address homelessness in Canada, the national housing strategy in the next platform

should:

Position the federal government as part of the solution again to help solve the national

problems of homelessness.

Renew expiring federal/provincial agreements

Re-establish federal leadership on public health policy – particularly related to mental

illness, disease prevention, health promotion and addiction treatment

Include the construction of supportive housing in eligibility criteria for future national

infrastructure program

Establish a Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs and a National Mental Health

Ombudsman

Implement and fund the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s report: “Changing

Directions, Changing Lives: A Mental Health Strategy for Canada”

To help address homelessness in Metro Vancouver, a Liberal government should re-establish

and improve tri-level Vancouver Agreement to:

Extend jurisdiction to all Metro Vancouver municipalities and significantly increase previous funding levels

Facilitate more private sector participation in solutions - in partnership with Vancouver’s Street to Home Foundation and Surrey’s Homelessness and Housing Society

Help implement recommendations of Missing Women Public Inquiry

Support community prevention, treatment, housing and employment partnerships

Consolidate federal decision-making between departments regarding application of program funds and other federal assets in the region – particularly First Nations programs


N EXT STEP S

Proposed next steps for the LPC-BC Standing Policy Committee are:

Post report on-line and invite feedback for 30 days

Advocating for the recommendations of this paper with Leadership candidates, party

officials and Caucus

Develop solutions to First Nations housing in partnership with the Aboriginal People

Commission


Appendix: What does a national housing strategy look like in your community?

Housing policy means different things to different regions of the province and country. Based on feedback from Liberal Party of Canada (British Columbia) members and other research, this section of the paper capture some local perspective to the question: What does a national housing strategy look like in your community?

Many responses support the priorities we have identified and the resolution approved at the 2012 Biennial Policy Convention in Ottawa. We recommend Liberal candidates consider these responses as local, regional and national platforms are assembled for the next election. Here is a full summary of the survey results.

Housing Survey Results – September 2012 (389 results)

When you think of issues related to housing, what is your top priority? (Choose two)

Availability of Affordable Rental Housing – 40% Affordability of home ownership – 33% Seniors Housing – 31% Homelessness – 31% First Nations on reserves – 18% Students – 6%

In your opinion, what is the federal government’s main role to play in a national housing strategy? (Choose two)

Focus funding programs and tax improvements on most at-risk populations including homeless, First Nations on reserve, frail seniors and people with disabilities – 37%

Fund targeted programs in partnership with provinces, private sector and non-profit organizations – 37% Create tax environment to encourage investment of non-profit and private sectors in high quality and

affordable housing – 27% Maintain a strong economy and reduce debt – 20% Help renters become home owners – 12% Transfer funding to provincial governments to address local and regional challenges - 10% Strengthen mortgage insurance and down-payment restrictions – 8%

Should the federal government offer tax policies to encourage seniors who wish to sell large homes and down-size to smaller, high quality accommodations that suit their changing needs and improve post-retirement income?

Yes – 37%

Which element of the 2011 Liberal election platform on housing do you support the most? (Choose two)

Increase federal investment in affordable housing by $550 million over two years, focused on renewing existing stock and stimulating new construction – 38%

Tax incentives and loan guarantees in partnership with all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors – 37%

Implement a new $400 million Green Renovation Tax Credit targeting home renovations that save families money and bring environmental benefits – 32%

Cover 50% of the cost of home energy audits – 7%

How would you describe your own housing situation?

Home Owner over 55 – 50% Home Owner – 27% Renter – 17% Student – 4% Supportive Seniors Housing, Home Support or Social Assistance – 2%

toward a national housing strategy - liberal party of canada · 2013-01-18 · toward a national...

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