National

U.S. tariffs set to slow pace of homebuilding in Canada: CHBA

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Mar, 2025 10:55 AM

Canada's building industry says a trade war with the United States will slow down the pace of home construction.

Canadian Home Builders' Association CEO Kevin Lee says the U.S. tariffs levied against Canada today will have a "muted" impact on the industry on their own.

But he says an expected slowdown in the economy tied to tariff impacts could hold the housing market back, dragging down housing starts.

Today, CHBA CEO Kevin Lee spoke to reporters on Parliament Hill about the release of CHBA's #MunicipalBenchmarkingStudy, underscoring that policy change is needed to ramp up housing supply & address #housingaffordability challenges.

Watch 🎥 https://t.co/968y1iFKuq #cdnpoli
— CHBA National (@CHBANational) March 4, 2025

Canada has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's trade salvos with retaliatory tariffs targeting $30 billion worth of U.S. goods, with billions more in counter-tariffs set to follow in three weeks.

Lee says that if these retaliatory tariffs hit critical construction materials coming from the U.S., they could drive up costs for builders.

He says municipalities can help offset the slowdown by speeding up approval processes and lowering development charges to get new homes built.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Ontario, Quebec and B.C. among provinces pulling U.S. booze from provincial retailers

Canadian alcohol producers are cheering decisions from several provinces to yank U.S. booze from provincial liquor stores. They say the move will deliver a boost to homegrown business while adding ammunition to a federal plan aimed at getting the U.S. to back down from tariffs.

Ontario, Quebec and B.C. among provinces pulling U.S. booze from provincial retailers

Canada slaps retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of U.S. goods, outlines response plan

Ottawa is imposing 25 per cent tariffs on hundreds of goods originating in the United States — from meat and milk to carpets and curtains — in response to steep new American levies against Canada. A federal official also signalled that Canada will pursue available legal remedies in response to the U.S. breaching its international trade commitments.

Canada slaps retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of U.S. goods, outlines response plan

Employment Outlook 2025: Opportunities and Challenges in BC and Canada

The employment landscape in British Columbia (BC) and Canada is undergoing dynamic transformations shaped by economic shifts, evolving labor market demands, and demographic changes. As we move into 2025, a comprehensive outlook reveals both opportunities and challenges for job seekers, particularly for immigrants, underrepresented groups, and youth entering the workforce.

Employment Outlook 2025: Opportunities and Challenges in BC and Canada

Ottawa defers effective date of capital gains changes to 2026, promises exemptions

The federal government says it is deferring the implementation of a hike to the capital gains inclusion rate to next year and plans to introduce new exemptions to ensure most middle-class Canadians do not pay more tax if the rate becomes official. The deferral announced by Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc on Friday delays the implementation of the change from June 25, 2024 to Jan. 1, 2026.

Ottawa defers effective date of capital gains changes to 2026, promises exemptions

Surrey mayor joins alliance of border communities ahead of possible tariffs

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said potential U.S. tariffs would put hundreds of jobs in her community at risk, as she became the latest mayor to join an alliance advocating for Canadian border communities. Locke said Thursday that more than 20 per cent of businesses in Surrey have direct trade ties with the United States amounting to roughly $2.8 billion in cross-border commerce each year.

Surrey mayor joins alliance of border communities ahead of possible tariffs

Wendy Cocchia sworn in as B.C.'s 31st lieutenant-governor

Premier David Eby has introduced British Columbia's new lieutenant-governor, saying Wendy Cocchia's lifelong leadership and dedication to community service sets an example for everyone. Cocchia, a longtime businesswoman and philanthropist, was sworn in at a ceremony at B.C.'s Parliament buildings on Thursday before an audience of family, friends, Indigenous leaders, members of the legislature and other dignitaries.