March 2025 Householder

Mar 24, 2025

A Message from your MP

Dear Neighbours and Friends,

Canada is strong, well positioned, and prepared for all challenges – including ones we did not ask for. Challenges that alter our international relationships, challenge our sovereignty, and change the geo-political order are ones we will take on with a strong, united, Canadian voice. We will respond as Canada always does: with solidarity, with passion, and with our values uncompromised.

Canadians are proud and confident. We’ve come from every corner of the globe, and together have forged a nation, prosperous and bold.

Canadians are dreamers. We are defined by the vibrancy of our stories and the strength of our shared love of Canada. We are loyal friends and allies, but we will not be bullied.

We’re rallying: flying the flag, buying Canadian, supporting local business and spending our travel dollars in Canada.

Here at home, I will continue to work hard on the things that matter to you: making life more affordable, supporting our small businesses, ensuring the safety of our neighbourhoods, and expanding dental care and daycare in our community.

My work is made better with your advice and counsel, so please continue to reach out to my office with your concerns, questions, and ideas. Together, we will continue to build a better, stronger future for Vancouver Granville and for Canada.

Sincerely,

Taleeb Noormohamed, MP
Vancouver Granville


Protecting the CBC: Delivers Trust in our Democracy

As Canada’s national public broadcaster, the CBC delivers reliable, fact-based journalism that informs Canadians from coast to coast to coast. The CBC is held to strict regulations that ensure it remains a trusted and impartial source of information for Canadians. Operating under the Broadcasting Act, the CBC is tasked with providing accurate, balanced, and unbiased journalism that reflects the diverse perspectives of all Canadians. These regulations are crucial for maintaining CBC's independence from political or corporate influence, allowing it to serve the public interest rather than any particular agenda. The CBC’s journalistic standards emphasize fairness, accuracy, and impartiality, ensuring that its news coverage is based on credible sources.

In a time when misinformation and media bias are concerns, the CBC's public accountability sets it apart from other media outlets, as it is regulated to uphold transparency and serve the needs of the Canadian public. By protecting the CBC's ability to provide high-quality, non-partisan reporting, we reinforce the principles of democratic engagement, an informed electorate, and a media landscape that prioritizes public service over profit.

The value of the CBC extends far beyond journalism.

The CBC is a vital cultural institution that supports Canadian arts, music, and entertainment, offering a platform for homegrown talent and promoting Canadian creators. It plays a key role in telling uniquely Canadian stories that reflect the diverse experiences and cultures of our country. Through its programming, the CBC amplifies Canadian voices that may otherwise be overlooked or drowned out by larger media sources. Whether it’s through supporting emerging artists, showcasing regional stories, or providing educational content, the CBC contributes significantly to the cultural fabric of Canada.

While there is always room to improve, we must continue to defend the CBC and ensure it has sustainable funding and support.


Evolving Perspectives on Carbon Pricing

Carbon pricing stems from the idea that significant emissions reductions can only be achieved by a rapid transition to zero- and partially-zero-emissions technologies. The consumer carbon tax was designed to encourage individuals to explore alternatives to gas-powered vehicles and reduce their carbon footprint, and it has done just that.

However, the consumer carbon tax is just one of the many tools used by leading jurisdictions that contributes to the sustainability of our climate efforts. Flexible regulations (flex-regs) - standards that allow business and industry to determine their cheapest way to decarbonize - put in place by our liberal government since 2015, have been the most impactful tools contributing to our climate goals. These differ from other regulations, that are much more prescriptive and demand fixed rules and procedures; flex-regs encourage creativity, and work well in rapidly evolving industries.

These measures include: rules to reduce methane emissions, promote clean electricity, and set clean fuel standards. They also mandate more zero-emission vehicles, improve building energy efficiency, and encourage industrial carbon emission reductions through the Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS).

How do these measures contribute to emissions reductions by 2030?

Large Emitter Trading Systems

Oil and Gas emissions caps

Methane Regulations

Consumer Carbon Tax

23-39%

7-34%

1-21%

8-14%

Source: Canadian Climate Institute

Over 15 years ago, BC welcomed a carbon tax and flexible regulations. One flex-reg ensured that BC Hydro cancel contracts for not-yet-built coal and natural gas plants and instead develop low-carbon options from competitive bids. This regulation has been three times more effective than B.C.’s carbon tax.

It remains to be said, the consumer carbon tax has been impactful. It has encouraged Canadians to transition to lower-emitter technologies. However, we also need to ensure that the largest polluters pay their fair share. Industrial carbon pricing can deliver bigger emissions cuts at a low cost to industry. Incentives for Canadians and flexible regulations that drive innovation in greener technologies will lead Canada into a new world; one that views climate consciousness as paramount to the prosperity of our children.

We must be forward facing. New technologies that harvest the immense resources of Canada will allow us to fight climate change while also growing our economy. Canadian industries that innovate early towards low-emission technologies have been and will continue to benefit from reduced costs to cut carbon emissions. This will continue to attract investments from those also promoting the well-being of our planet. By continuing to encourage Canadian businesses to innovate in greener technology Canada will be more competitive within the energy sector. An economy built on the values of Canadians; mindful of our environment, sustainable for our children, and innovative in our industry, can become the strongest economy in the G7.


Keeping Canadians Safe

Canada is making a $1.3 billion investment to enhance border security, combat organized crime, and improve our immigration system. These measures will streamline border management, strengthen enforcement against illegal trafficking, and improve policing responses to emerging threats. This investment builds on existing efforts to keep Canadians safe while maintaining efficient and secure borders.

Key investments include:

  • $667.5M to RCMP

  • $355.4M to CBSA

  • $180M to CSE

  • $77.7M to Health Canada

  • $20M to Public Safety

Cracking Down on Illegal Drugs

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is deploying advanced detection tools and expanding canine teams to intercept drugs and firearms. We are inaugurating a new Canadian Drug Profiling Centre. The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) will also expand cybersecurity responses along the border.

Enhancing Law Enforcement

The RCMP deployed new drone programs and Black Hawk helicopters to improve border surveillance and escalate our military presence along our border.

Securing Major Ports

New regulations to combat smuggling and money laundering.

Boosting U.S. Coordination

A Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force launched to fight transnational crime, alongside the appointment of a Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau, to enhance collaboration.

It’s important to understand the facts about our border security measures. Our $1.3 billion investment to strengthen enforcement at home and abroad was announced in December 2024. While we've introduced a few additional measures to address U.S. concerns, that minimally alter our plan. The reality is that less than 1% of illegal drugs and immigration into the U.S. come from Canada. This is a non-issue. What this plan truly represents is an investment in the security of Canadians, ensuring stronger enforcement against smuggling, organized crime, and emerging threats at our borders. We are reinforcing the strongest border in the world.


Seniors Investments

New Horizons, New Projects

Supporting seniors and ensuring they have access to programs that promote well-being, social connection, and active living is vital to the success of a community. That’s why our liberal government has invested $334,700 in new funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, supporting a variety of projects in local seniors centres across our community.

This funding will help seniors stay engaged, combat social isolation, and access essential resources. It will encompass technology upgrades, wellness programs and facility improvements. By investing in these initiatives, we are strengthening our community and ensuring that seniors have the support they need to thrive.

If you or someone you know is involved in a seniors’ organization and would like to learn more about funding opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Projects Funded in Our Community

  • $18,500 to the Japanese Community Volunteers Association for the 2024 TG Men's Group: Helping Hands and Minds program, providing volunteer and social engagement opportunities for seniors.

  • $25,000 to the St. Paul’s Foundation of Vancouver for the creation of gardens and gardening workshops for Seniors’ Health.

  • $25,000 to the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver for BE AT HOME, a series of welcoming programs that support seniors who are newcomers.

  • $18,635 to the South Granville Seniors Friendship Centre Society for Technology Upgrades, helping seniors stay connected to the world.

  • $25,000 to the Nisga’a Ts’amiks Vancouver Society for an Elder Abuse Awareness and Support initiative, ensuring seniors have access to critical resources and protection.

  • $23,00 to the Arbutus Shaughnessy Kerrisdale Friendship Society for Seniors for ASK IN ACTION – Transportation for Older Adults, improving mobility and accessibility for seniors in our community.


Promoting Local Business

I am focused on supporting Canadian businesses amid global uncertainties. Our government will be investing over $17 million to help small and medium-sized businesses grow by enhancing access to investment capital, customers, and commercial networks here in B.C., across Canada, and in international markets. This funding will feed directly into ten organizations spanning the life sciences, clean tech, and construction sectors, enabling them to scale their operations and enhance their presence in the market.

  1. $633K to Hubspace

  2. $2.5M to Simon Fraser University

  3. $2.5M to Circle Innovation Solutions

  4. $1.9M to Accelerate Okanagan

  5. $600K to Discovery Foundation

  6. $2.5M to Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC)

  7. $1.1M to Light House Sustainability Society

  8. $2.5M to University of British Columbia

  9. $1.1M to Life Sciences BC

  10. $1.7M to Foresight Canada

With over 900 businesses set to benefit and more than 2,500 jobs expected to be created, this investment is an important step toward building a stronger, more competitive economy in British Columbia. By helping businesses innovate, scale, and expand into new markets, our Government is ensuring that B.C. remains a leader in entrepreneurship, sustainability, and global trade.


Vancouver Housing Investments

Access to affordable housing is a key priority for me, and we are taking bold action to tackle the housing crisis. Through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP), we are making it easier to build new rental housing—helping to increase the supply of rental units in the community, lower rents, and ensure more people have access to a place to call home.

  • $227M - Oak and 41st, 1025 42nd Avenue W, 361 new rental units

  • $15.2M - Shaughnessy Gardens, 1037 West King Edward, 36 new rental units

  • $770M - Senákw (Phase 2), Kitsilano Point, 1,554 new rental units

  • $1.012B - Total amount loaned through the ACLP in Vancouver-Granville, as of January 2025

By providing low-cost financing to developers, the ACLP helps build rental housing that might not otherwise be constructed, ensuring that middle-class families, young professionals, and seniors have more options in our community. With new developments across Vancouver-Granville, we are addressing the urgent need for housing while strengthening neighbourhoods and supporting a more sustainable rental market.

We are working hard to protect renters and ensure housing remains affordable in the long term. We have introduced measures to curb speculative investment, incentivize the construction of below-market rentals, and support non-profits in acquiring rental properties to keep them affordable.


More Affordability Measures

As part of our commitment to increasing housing supply and affordability, we are making it easier for home-owners to build secondary suites: basement apartments or laneway homes, by expanding access to financing and support.

Doubling the Canada Secondary Suite Loan: We are increasing the loan limit to $80,000 with a low 2% interest rate over 15 years, giving homeowners the financial flexibility to add rental units to their properties

Expanding Mortgage Refinancing Options: We are now allowing insured mort-gage holders to refinance their loans for secondary suite construction, unlocking up to 90% of a home's post-renovation value with extended 30-year amortization periods.

These changes will help create more rental housing, provide homeowners with new income opportunities, and ensure that more Canadians have access to affordable living spaces.


Capital Gains

We are deferring the implementation of capital gains tax changes until January 1, 2026, providing stability and predictability for businesses and investors in the short-run. This will allow our government time to decide on the proper measures to move forward, depending on the results of trade agreements with the United States, and the upcoming federal election.

We will uphold new and existing capital gains exemptions to ensure that Canadians are not paying more in taxes after January 1, 2026.

Maintaining the Principal Residence Exemption. Any amount Canadians make when they sell their home will remain tax-free.

A new $250,000 Annual Threshold for Canadians, effective January 1, 2026, to ensure individuals earning modest capital gains continue to benefit from the current one-half inclusion rate.

Increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $1.25 million, effective June 25, 2024, from the current amount of $1,016,836 on the sale of small business shares and farming and fishing property.

A new Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive, to encourage entrepreneurship by reducing the inclusion rate to one-third on a lifetime maximum of $2 million in eligible capital gains.

This will reinforce confidence in Canada’s investment climate, encouraging capital to stay in the country and ensuring businesses of all sizes, from major industries to emerging startups, have the conditions they need to grow. While growing global economic uncertainty and trade disruptions pose challenges, maintaining a competitive tax environment is essential to attracting investment and strengthening Canadian industry and business.