Construction industry coalition to combat the housing crisis

Montreal, February 7, 2023 – As part of the 2023–2024 provincial pre-budget consultations, the Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ), the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec (APCHQ), the Corporation des propriétaires immobiliers du Québec (CORPIQ) and the Urban development institute of Quebec (UDI) are joining forces to propose specific measures to the Quebec government to address the major issues faced by the housing industry in recent years, including a severe housing shortage, the worst affordability levels in decades and the climate crisis. The construction and real estate industries are combining their strengths and expertise to make actionable recommendations meant to effectively address the housing crisis.

Towards a sustainable housing industry

As Quebec households face the highest inflation rate in 40 years, the province is suffering from a significant shortage of all types of housing, which has led to the current crisis of availability and affordability. The APCHQ estimates that at least 100,000 housing units are currently needed in Quebec just to rebalance the market. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) agrees, stating that 620,000 additional units will be needed by 2030 to restore affordability.

To improve the supply of housing and thereby establish a long-term vision for overcoming the housing crisis, the ACQ, the APCHQ, CORPIQ and the UDI propose that the government obtain a precise diagnosis of the current state of the housing sector to identify existing needs and issues. Such a project will make it possible to draw up a multi-year plan to achieve the housing start targets, as it is essential to respond quickly to the urgent housing needs and establish a long-term vision.

During the Quebec government’s pre-budget consultations, our coalition put forward solutions designed to facilitate access to home ownership, stimulate more rental housing construction across Quebec and review the many mechanisms that are holding back housing starts in the province. Everyone agrees that the Quebec government must provide more support to the construction industry to make sure that the housing crisis does not grow worse, leaving vulnerable people in a difficult position. The next budget must send a clear signal to the entire industry and take more concrete steps towards greening the housing sector, particularly in the areas of renovation and energy efficiency.

 

To read all the recommendations, click here (in French).

 

About the ACQ

The Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ) is the main group promoting and defending the interests of contractors in the Quebec construction industry. Over the years, it has become the largest voluntary multi-sectoral group in the industry. As the sole employer bargaining agent for all employers in the institutional, commercial and industrial sectors, the ACQ represents nearly 18,000 companies that generate more than 60% of the total hours worked and reported in the industry. In addition to playing an active and credible role in industry-wide decision making, the ACQ offers its members a wide range of tools and services through an extensive network of 10 regional associations in 17 cities across Quebec.

For information, contact:

Guillaume Houle | Media Relations

Phone: 514-354-8249, extension 2173

Cell: 514-607-7210

Email: houleg@acq.org

 

 

About the APCHQ

Founded in 1961, the APCHQ is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and develop the expertise of its 20,000 member companies in 13 regional associations. Through its technical, legal, occupational health and safety, labour relations and training services, as well as its government and public affairs activities, the APCHQ helps its members develop their skills and thrive in a highly competitive environment. In addition, the APCHQ has the mandate to negotiate on behalf of 16,000 employers in the housing industry for the renewal of collective agreements in the construction industry. Since 2018, the APCHQ has helped thousands of consumers find a contractor that meets their needs through trouverunentrepreneur.com, the largest directory of construction and renovation contractors in Quebec.

For information, contact:

Émilie Hermitte

Communications and Public Relations Advisor

Cell: 514-237-7096

Email: emilie.hermitte@apchq.com

 

 

About CORPIQ

CORPIQ is a non-profit organization that brings together 30,000 landlords and property managers who own nearly 500,000 rental units and condos. It is the largest association providing services to landlords and has been defending their interests for over 40 years. CORPIQ serves all regions of Quebec from four offices with a total of 70 employees. Quebec landlords, seven out of 10 of whom own a duplex or triplex, provide housing for 1.4 million tenant households. They are an essential link in Quebec’s housing ecosystem and social fabric, often acting as first responders to increasingly serious social problems.

For information, contact:

Marc-André Plante

Director, Public Affairs and Government Relations

Phone: 514-249-1691

Email: maplante@corpiq.com

 

 

 

About the UDI

Founded in 1987, the Urban development institute of Quebec (UDI) is an independent, non-profit organization and the leading representative of the commercial real estate industry in Quebec. The UDI develops content related to real estate and the urban landscape. It acts primarily as a partner to industry members, public authorities and all stakeholders in the commercial real estate ecosystem.

For information, contact:

Emmanuella Tchanga

Marketing and Communications Manager

Phone: 514-866-3625, extension 4

Cell: 514-291-6093

Email: etchanga@idu.quebec