An Act to amend the Excise Tax Act and the Competition Act
Affordable Housing and Groceries Act. Royal assent December 15, 2023 (S.C. 2023, c. 31). Two-part Trudeau-government cost-of-living response: part one removes the federal GST on new purpose-built rental construction (apartments, student housing, seniors housing), which CMHC data showed drove a measurable increase in rental starts in 2024. Part two amends the Competition Act: repeals the efficiencies defence that had let merging companies argue cost savings outweighed competitive harm, gives the Commissioner of Competition new powers to study industries (used immediately for the grocery sector study), and raises maximum penalties.
Status
Quick learn
Two things in one bill. Removes the GST on newly built rental apartments to push more rental construction. Updates competition law so the Competition Bureau has more tools to investigate grocery pricing.
Issues this bill touches
- Cost of Living
Repeals the Competition Act 'efficiencies defence' to enable tougher merger reviews, especially in grocery retail.
- Housing
Removes GST from purpose-built rental construction. Has driven a measurable increase in rental construction starts since 2024.
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
View source - Second reading
Second reading in the House of Commons.
View source - Third reading
Third reading in the House of Commons.
View source - First reading
First reading in the Senate.
View source - Second reading
Second reading in the Senate.
View source - Third reading
Third reading in the Senate.
View source - Royal assent
Royal assent received.
View source - Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - In committee
Reviewed clause by clause by a standing committee; amendments possible.
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Sponsored by
Chrystia FreelandLIBERALOfficial source
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