Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Transition Binder (2024)
Book 1: Welcome Letter

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
The House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6

Dear Minister:

Please accept my congratulations on your appointment as Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. On behalf of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, I would like to welcome you to the department. We look forward to supporting you in advancing your priorities.

The Government has recognized that housing and infrastructure outcomes are intimately linked, by asking the department to take a leadership role on housing policy and to oversee the operations and activities of key portfolio partners, notably Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. In addition to supporting public infrastructure and addressing housing supply and affordability, our mandate also encompasses efforts to reduce and prevent homelessness. Within the portfolio, you oversee the operations of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, mandated to leverage alternative finance solutions in partnership with the private sector, as well as large bridge projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge which, when completed, will enhance trade, travel and connectivity between Canada and the United States.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada will serve you on a focused set of priorities and opportunities to be advanced and seized through the balance of the Government's electoral mandate. In particular: finalizing implementation of measures announced in Budget 2024 and the Fall Economic Statement; securing an important set of provincial and project agreements for housing and infrastructure over the next three to six months; and the opportunity to consolidate gains through Budget 2025 measures.  

As this week's Fall Economic Statement reinforced, unfolding and enhancing Canada's Housing Plan, including its infrastructure enablers, is at the heart of the country's affordability and long-term prosperity agenda.

In addition to the briefing package of core information about portfolio policies and programs that my department has prepared for your arrival, we stand ready to engage in focused briefings on early decisions and on a series of issue-specific briefings at the convenience of you and your office.

On a personal note, I am working closely with Paul Halucha to manage this transition and your arrival as he has been appointed Deputy Minister to replace me [redacted].

Again, congratulations on your appointment. We are thrilled to welcome you to this portfolio and I am confident that you will find the issues and responsibilities as compelling as I have during my tenure.

Sincerely,

Kelly Gillis
Deputy Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities