CAQ government: what can we expect in terms of housing?

For the first time in its history, the Coalition avenir Québec (CAQ) took power on October 1st. New Prime Minister François Legault is committed to respecting his election platform. If he keeps his word, certain housing commitments could come to fruition.

(Photo: National Assembly)

Intentions were also mentioned before or during the election campaign, without being formal promises. Here is what we can expect from the Caquist Government in terms of housing over the next four years.

Improving Building Code Requirements

The CAQ has promised to modernize the requirements of the National Building Code to encourage the adoption of materials and techniques with better energy performance in new constructions. It also wants to make the RénoVert tax credit program permanent in order to stimulate energy-efficient renovations, both for the private and public rental real estate sector.

Reduction in school taxes

The Coalition avenir Québec has made a commitment to standardize the school tax rate across Quebec, regardless of the region, by applying the lowest rate currently in effect. At the moment, taxation can be tripled from one region to another, according to the CAQ. By solving this problem, the CAQ believes it can improve access to property.

Controlling the legalization of cannabis

The consumption and cultivation of cannabis became legal in Canada on October 17^th. In Quebec, the CAQ wants to ban its consumption in all public places, in addition to raising the legal age for smoking from 18 to 21 years. Without formal involvement during the election campaign, the party of François Legault had considered the obligation for the tenant who refuses the amendment to the lease prohibiting the use of cannabis in his home to provide a medical certificate proving that he needs to consume.

Improvement of rent setting criteria following renovations

The CAQ platform did not mention it, but during a housing debate MP Mario Laframboise said that a Caquist government could look into two options: allowing homeowners to recover their investments over the same period as their mortgage loan (in 25 years instead of 40 years according to the current rent setting criteria of the Régie du logement) or offering a renovation assistance program.

Legalization of the security deposit upon the signing of a lease

In an interview given to CORPIQ, the MP for Blainville and CAQ spokesman in housing, Mario Laframboise, was open to offering owners the right to require a deposit upon the signing of a lease. Quebec is the only Canadian province where this is prohibited. In 2015, Mr. Laframboise had submitted to the National Assembly a petition from CORPIQ in which 12,483 citizens were requesting a bill which would allow landlords to demand a security deposit.

Reduction of delays at the Régie du logement

The CAQ acknowledged that any measure that would have the effect of reducing the number of applications submitted to the Régie du logement, and thus reducing the time required, would be welcomed. According to the spokesman Caquist in housing, MP Mario Laframboise, modernizing some laws could prevent certain types of cases winding up in court.