Opposition parties in the National Assembly are presenting proposals on how to solve the housing crisis in Quebec, arguing that the government housing bill lacks sufficient answers.

The official opposition Liberals want an exemption from the value-added tax on building materials, millions of dollars for municipalities to reduce bureaucratic delays
and rapid electricity delivery.

At the same time, Québec Solidaire (QS) wants tax exemptions for multi-generational homes, in addition to putting an end to blind bidding.

The housing legislation was introduced by the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) Bill (31) by Minister France-Élaine Duranceau and will limit the use of rent transfer, new rules for landlords regarding rental rates, amendments to eviction rules and other housing issues, and the bill is expected to be adopted in the coming weeks.

Building multi-generational homes was the first proposal of Québec Solidaire QS to amend

the CAQ bill but it was unsuccessful.

The opposition party proposed ending the blind bidding process, arguing that it leads to inflated housing prices, and proposed on Sunday a tax exemption for converting or building multi-generational homes.

Andres Fontecilla, a deputy for Québec Solidaire, said: “The housing crisis affects young people looking to buy their first home as much as it affects seniors who prefer to enjoy their retirement surrounded by their families rather than staying in a nursing home, and thanks to this measure, families wishing to live together under one roof will have the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone: save money while helping to relieve market pressure."

QS proposes matching the CIRHM tax exemption in Canada and offering a credit of 15 percent of eligible expenses up to $50,000, with a maximum of $7,500.

Fontecilla said: "The savings achieved through converting and building intergenerational homes exceed the tax exemption, and electricity bills, snow removal, municipal taxes, and even groceries can be shared, helping families overcome rising living costs."

Three Liberal proposals

Liberals say residential construction projects are delayed due to lack of electricity delivery, in addition to bureaucratic barriers in obtaining permits from the city.

The party claims that by abolishing the provincial sales tax on building materials, the number of housing construction starts will increase.

The Quebec Liberal Party (PLQ) proposes allocating $200 million to municipalities to reduce the time it takes to analyze housing files and issue building permits.

Virginie Dufour, the housing critic for the PLQ, said: "The six years wasted by CAQ have left Quebec in a risky housing situation, and urgent concrete action is needed."

Dufour confirmed that there is a lack of concrete solutions in the CAQ bill.