Affordable Housing and Groceries Act (44-1)
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. (44-1 duplicate code; see C-56 for full editorial.)
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
Affordable Housing and Groceries Act (44-1 alt).
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - Royal assent
Approved by both chambers and granted royal assent; now law.
View source
Sponsored by
Justin TrudeauLIBERALOfficial source
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