Highlights of Speech from
the Throne relating to CHBA
Promises, Promises
priorities and to housing
What Federal Government Housing
Staff Writer NHBA Structures
Initiatives will be implemented?
Public infrastructure is vital not only to create jobs for
today, but also to create the links between communities and
regions to help generate jobs for the future. Our Government
Frank Giannone President, OHBA – Special to the NHBA Structures
IMMIGRATION Most immi-
grants who come to Canada, come to
is committed to expediting our Building Canada plan to en- Following what many viewed as an Ontario are already implementing Ontario. And within Ontario, most
sure that projects are delivered as quickly as possible. uninspiring federal election this fall, some of these energy efficient inno- choose to settle within the Golden
Our Government will work with all parties in Parliament Canadians once again find themselves vations in their housing designs and I Horseshoe Area. These newcomers
to introduce sensible policies that can help consumers and being governed by a minority Conser- expect we will continue to see Ontario need housing, and in fact, signifi-
improve our environmental well-being, such as increasing vative Government. And while all builders lead the way in “green” hous- cantly impact the demand for housing
incentives for energy-saving home retrofits. parties made their share of promises ing initiatives. within our communities. The Harper
We will act to help families caring for loved ones with during the campaign no doubt the new Government has promised to expedite
disabilities and to assist Canadians buying their first home. government will face challenges in INFRASTRUCTURE The the immigration process of those with
Our Government will extend the Homelessness Partner- implementing its election platform Stephen Harper government has skills that are most in demand. That
ing Strategy and help more Canadians within a minority government envi- pledged to invest $33 billion in infra- could be good for housing on two
find affordable housing. ronment. structure under its Building Canada fronts….more homes to be built and
Our Government will strengthen Canada’s workforce for But if the feds can find consensus Plan. That means investment in roads, perhaps some of those immigrants
the future by continuing to support student financial assis- and co-operation from the other par- bridges, transit, water and wastewater will be skilled trades people that can
tance and taking measures to encourage skilled trades and ties, Ontario’s housing market could management – all of which improve help Ontario builders build our com-
apprenticeships. Our Government will also work with the benefit from some of their ideas per- and enhance our communities. In ad- munities.
provinces to make the recognition of foreign credentials a taining to housing and infrastructure. dition, it keeps people working.
priority, attract top international students to Canada and in- Here’s a sampling of what they pro- What, if any, of the federal govern-
crease the uptake of immigrant settlement programs. posed: TRAINING To encourage skilled ment’s housing and infrastructure
trades to be just that – skilled, the policies will come to fruition given
TAX SAVINGS Perhaps the most Conservatives promised to provide a these challenging economic times, re-
NHBA Membership Experience
notable promise from the Conserva- $2,000 apprenticeship completion mains to be seen. And as noted, added
tives concerning housing was the bonus for those that complete their to the mix is the complexity and com-
“You are a part of this association! promise to provide a tax credit of up training program in what are termed
plications of governing without a ma-
Membership is a natural extension of your to $5,000 for first-time home buyers, “Red Seal” trades. That will certainly jority. Still, Ontario and Canada’s
business, and we are proud to say you belong!” which will provide tax savings of up help offset costs for workers desiring housing industry will be keeping a
to $750. Both the Canadian and On- to complete their skilled training. close eye on what is or isn’t happen-
NHBA does not take your membership for granted. We tario Home Builders’ Association sup- ing and continue to encourage initia-
continue to provide you with a positive and valuable ex- port this initiative for a number of HOMELESSNESS The Conser- tives that will keep Ontarians among
perience offering: reasons. For one, it will assist first- vatives said they will extend the fed-
the best housed people in the world.
– A voice for the residential building industry, as our
time buyers to get into the housing eral Homelessness Partnering
Association works with all levels of government to
market. And some of those first-time Strategy for two years. The strategy The Ontario Home Builders’ Asso-
promote a business environment that allows you to
buyers will buy a new home which calls for cooperation with the ciation is the voice of the residential
conduct business effectively and profitably
helps keep residential construction in- provinces and municipalities to in- construction industry in Ontario rep-
– the RenoMark™ program giving renovator members
dustry employees working. crease the effectiveness of homeless- resenting 4,200 member companies
the edge that sets your company apart from your
ness initiatives as well as renewing the organized into 29 local associations
competition
ENERGY EFFICIENCY The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance across the province. The industry
– networking and social opportunities to meet, ex-
change ideas and do business with other people in the
Conservative Party has committed to Program and the Affordable Housing contributes over $36 Billion to On-
industry ie: Trade Show, Golf Classic, Christmas
contribute $1.48 billion in incentives Initiative. These programs are de- tario’s economy, employing over
Dinner Party
over fours years to produce more signed to assist the most vulnerable in 325,000 people across the province.
wind, solar, geothermal and tidal our society while maintaining and re- Our members build 80% of the new
– involvement by volunteering for committees, projects
or events, part of the leadership
power. Certainly many builders in newing our existing housing stock. housing in Ontario.
– the opportunity to highlight your best homes, renova-
tions and marketing products through the Awards of
Excellence
– access to seminars and workshops to improve your
skills, knowledge and business expertise
– information and speakers to keep you up-to-date
with changes and developments in our industry, and
the important issues that affect your bottom line
– the opportunity to connect through the April New
Homes supplement and in the “Structures” newsletter
– through the partnership with Habitat for Humanity
Niagara the opportunity to assist with the construc-
tion of an affordable home for a Niagara family
– venues to assist charitable organizations to continue
with their mission to help people in Niagara ie: Big
Brothers/Big Sisters; Niagara Home Builders Ride
for the Cure; Smoke Detector Program
– Being a member speaks to your credibility, profes-
sionalism and commitment
– to doing business the right way. As a member, you
can contribute to the collective effort
– to keep the industry vital and strong, today and in the
future.
December 2008 NHBA Structures - B5
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16