Question Period Note: Military Housing

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About

Reference number:
DND-2022-QP-00020
Date received:
May 30, 2022
Organization:
National Defence
Name of Minister:
Anand, Anita (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of National Defence

Issue/Question:

Why is this Government resorting to telling our men and women in uniform to go to Habitat for Humanity for their housing needs? Don’t serving members and their families deserve more for their dedication to our country?

Suggested Response:

  • The well-being of Canadian Armed Forces members and their families is our top priority and we are taking steps to improve access to housing for them.

  • National Defence is not directing its members to Habitat for Humanity for their housing needs.

  • In fact, we are investing $445 million over the coming years to tackle this important issue.

  • This funding will be used to build new housing at Bases and Wings, such as in Comox and Shilo, as well as renovate some of the 11,540 existing units.

  • We will continue to seek ways to ensure Canadian Armed Forces members and their families have the support and access to housing that they deserve.

Background:

Quick Facts

Funding to improve Canadian Armed Forces access to housing

  • Funding will go towards

    • Renovation projects to ensure the existing 11,540 housing units are functional and suitable

    • Building new housing units including at Canadian Forces Bases Comox, Shilo, and Dundurn.

      • Comox: construction of 12 new units was completed in May 2022, construction of another 12 units is in progress.

      • Shilo: construction of 8 new units are in progress.

Housing Benefits provided to Canadian Armed Forces members

  • Reimbursement for legal fees, and real estate fees related to relocation;

  • Shipping and related expenses of household goods and effects are handled entirely by the Canadian Armed Forces – members can use discretionary funding to ship specialty items

  • A full suite of benefits exists for members who sell and buy residences, including dual residency expenses, incentives for not selling, home equity assistance, mortgage interest differential and mortgage default insurance; and

  • If challenges are encountered while selling or buying a home, or the family needs more time to adjust, the Canadian Armed Forces member can move to the new location unaccompanied with lodging covered for at least six months, and potentially longer if authorized.

Additional Information:

Responsible Principals: Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment), Military Personnel Command.