Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
Ernie Hardeman, MPP, Chair
99 Wellesley Street West Room 1405, Whitney Block Toronto, Ontario M7A 1A2
RE: OHBA Comments on Bill 43, Build Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2021
Dear Mr. Chair & Committee Members,
We appreciate the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs for providing an opportunity to share stakeholder input on Bill 43, Build Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2021, introduced by the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance. The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) is the voice of the residential construction and professional renovation industry in Ontario. OHBA represents over 4,000 members including builders, developers, professional renovators, trade contractors and many others within the residential construction sector.
The OHBA welcomes and supports a number of key components of Bill 43 which are aimed at building Ontario. First, the legislation proposes to renew the Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit. The 2022 extension would provide an estimated $35 million in support for approximately 32,000 people, or $1,100, on average, up to a maximum benefit of $2,500. These are renovations that assist and allow Ontario seniors age safely in place in the comfort of their own homes. OHBA is pleased to see Bill 43 recognizes the limitations that this last year has imposed regarding the ability of seniors and their families to access this tax credit and we are highly supportive of seeing this program renewed for another year. This renewal, as part of Bill 43, will also support professional renovators and small businesses in communities across Ontario, who make these transformative renovations happen.
Bill 43 also proposes important investments in Ontario’s workforce to ensure our province has the skilled workers needed to support economic recovery and drive productivity. By continuing the Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit into 2022, this legislation would provide up to $2,000 in relief for 50% of eligible training expenses. This critical support enables prospective skilled trades persons to enter in-demand and rewarding careers, while helping to address the skilled labour gaps we are seeing throughout the province. This tax credit is vital to helping our province realize its full economic potential and OHBA is pleased to see its renewal as part of Bill 43.
OHBA is supportive of these measures outlined in Bill 43. These measures will help fill the gaps in the skilled trade labour shortage and take measures to address the real population growth pressures of today and in the future so that more Ontario families can realize the great Canadian dream of home ownership. We again thank all the committee members for their due consideration of this legislation and our comments.