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HUMA Committee Meeting

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Minutes of Proceedings

44th Parliament, 1st Session
Meeting 117
Monday, June 3, 2024, 3:42 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Webcast
Presiding
Robert J. Morrissey, Chair (Liberal)

Library of Parliament
• Antoine Dedewanou, Analyst
• Eleni Kachulis, Analyst
As an individual
• Carolyn Whitzman, Housing Policy Researcher and Adjunct Professor, University of Ottawa
Abundant Housing Vancouver
• Russil Wvong, Volunteer
Canadian Housing and Renewal Association
• Raymond Sullivan, Executive Director
More Neighbours Toronto
• Eric Lombardi, President
Mortgage Outlet Inc.
• Leah Zlatkin, Mortgage Broker and Chief Operations Officer
National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporated
• John Gordon, Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Monday, February 12, 2024, the committee resumed its study of Federal Housing Investments.

Russil Wvong, Eric Lombardi and Leah Zlatkin made statements and answered questions.

Motion

Bonita Zarrillo moved, — Given that Starlight Investments, one of Canada’s largest landlords, is seeking to evict its tenants at 71, 75 and 79 Thorncliffe Park Drive, while receiving federal loans to purchase rental properties, pursuant to standing order 108(1), the committee call on the CEO of Starlight Investments, Daniel Drimmer, to appear before the committee by June 14th, 2024, to testify in relation to the study on Federal Housing Investment for a minimum of two hours to answer questions about his decision to evict Canadians from their affordable housing during a housing crisis.

Debate arose thereon.

Amendment

Tracy Gray moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words "during a housing crisis’’ the following: ‘’and that the committee either find additional resources in order to facilitate this meeting outside of the committee’s scheduled meeting times, or add this meeting as the 8th meeting for this study.".

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the amendment of Tracy Gray and it was negatived on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Scott Aitchison, Rosemarie Falk, Michelle Ferreri, Tracy Gray — 4;

NAYS: Louise Chabot, Chad Collins, Michael Coteau, Peter Fragiskatos, Wayne Long, Tony Van Bynen, Bonita Zarrillo — 7.

The debate continued on the motion of Bonita Zarrillo.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Scott Aitchison, Chad Collins, Michael Coteau, Rosemarie Falk, Michelle Ferreri, Peter Fragiskatos, Tracy Gray, Wayne Long, Tony Van Bynen, Bonita Zarrillo — 10;

NAYS: — 0.

At 4:51 p.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 4:56 p.m., the meeting resumed.

Carolyn Whitzman, Raymond Sullivan and John Gordon made statements and answered questions.

Motion

Michael Coteau moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertakes a comprehensive study on advancements in home building technologies; exploring emerging materials, construction methods, energy-efficient systems and digital innovations.

The study shall also examine barriers such as procurement systems, building code issues, and the impact of other factors such as architectural services and architectural training. The committee shall explore policies promoting the adoption of innovative home building technologies and supporting the growth of the construction and home building industry.

Furthermore, the study will incorporate an examination of how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged within these technologies. This includes AI's role in optimizing design processes, enhancing construction management, improving energy efficiency through smart systems, and possibly of revolutionizing material composition and building methods.

That the committee hold a minimum of five meetings on this study. The committee report its findings and recommendations to the House; and that pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.

Debate arose thereon.

Amendment

Tracy Gray moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “hold a minimum of five meetings on this study,” the following: “that the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure appear for no less than two hours in relation to the study and that the study begin immediately following the last witness meeting of the current study”.

The question was put on the amendment of Tracy Gray and it was negatived on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Scott Aitchison, Rosemarie Falk, Michelle Ferreri, Tracy Gray — 4;

NAYS: Louise Chabot, Chad Collins, Michael Coteau, Blake Desjarlais, Peter Fragiskatos, Wayne Long, Tony Van Bynen — 7.

The debate continued on the motion of Michael Coteau.

Amendment

Peter Fragiskatos moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “five meetings” with the words “four meetings”.

On motion of Peter Fragiskatos, it was agreed, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “five meetings” with the words “four meetings”.

The debate continued on the motion, as amended, of Michael Coteau.

The question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Scott Aitchison, Louise Chabot, Chad Collins, Michael Coteau, Blake Desjarlais, Rosemarie Falk, Michelle Ferreri, Peter Fragiskatos, Tracy Gray, Wayne Long, Tony Van Bynen — 11;

NAYS: — 0.

Questioning of the witnesses resumed.

At 6:00 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.



Ariane Calvert
Clerk of the committee