NAIOP Canada is calling for more apartment-construction tax breaks after the federal government scrapped GST charges on purpose-built projects.

Chris Ollenberger, NAIOP Calgary’s director, said Friday in a news release the group is pleased that Ottawa recognizes the GST and provincial sales taxes impede new purpose-built rental housing construction in Canada. GST and provincial sales-tax exemptions will make it easier build rental housing and help unlock thousands of apartments across Canada, Ollenberger added. But NAIOP Canada is calling on other provinces still charging sales taxes on purpose-built rentals to make the same commitment. The federal government immediately ended GST charges on new rental-housing construction Thursday. Ontario promised to lift its sales tax on such projects “as soon as possible.” Newfoundland and Labrador has agreed to waive its share of sales tax on rental-housing construction. But Quebec and Nova Scotia have yet to follow suit. B.C. does not charge a sales tax on rental-housing construction projects. Alberta does not have a sales tax.