Feds Won’t Release Research Verifying Claims GST Holiday for Builders Will Lower Rents

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said all data pertaining to the research is confidential.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland speaks during a news conference in Ottawa on Nov. 7, 2023. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will not release federal research justifying cabinet claims that a GST holiday for builders will lower rents, calling the documents confidential.

Cabinet introduced Bill C-56 back in September to enact a GST holiday on “purpose-built rental housing” constructed by 2036. The cost, according to the Department of Finance, would be $4.6 billion over five years.