Ottawa Political Action Recap
Canada’s housing challenges have been escalating for decades, and requires ongoing commitment and concerted action from all levels of government to enhance affordability and accessibility.
3.5 million more homes need to be built by 2030 to support affordability in Canada 🇨🇦
REALTORS® gathered this fall to advocate for housing challenges that are felt across Canada. Together we had over 120 meetings with members of parliament, which supported the advocacy efforts that are ongoing all year long.
Here are the real ideas for real solutions that were shared with elected officials:
Establish a permanent national housing roundtable
CREA recommends the establishment of a permanent national housing roundtable to bring together housing stakeholders to help address the housing crisis through an inclusive, holistic approach that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and policy coordination. We need all levels of government to work together to make positive change and get people the right type of housing. Let your elected officials know housing matters to you.
Leverage federal infrastructure funding
CREA recommends leveraging federal infrastructure funding with municipal, provincial, and territorial partners requiring the creation of more housing. The government has recognized that housing supply and infrastructure are inherently linked and help to build thriving, inclusive communities.
It’s recommended that any new federal infrastructure funding have conditions requiring the creation of new housing indexed to population growth. This should include clauses that incentivize provinces, territories, and municipalities to take action in the following areas:
Revising zoning bylaws
speeding up planning and approval processes
aligning infrastructure funding with new housing commitments
promoting construction innovation that could speed up housing development
Develop a housing workforce immigration strategy
CREA recommends developing a housing workforce immigration strategy to attract tradespeople from abroad while streamlining the immigration process for qualified professionals willing to work in the construction industry.
By focusing on increasing immigration in the construction sector, we can effectively address the housing crisis, fill labour shortages, create jobs, and pave the way for sustainable housing growth.
Implementing the proposed recommendations will not only alleviate housing pressures but also foster a more robust and resilient housing market for all Canadians.
For more than 30 years, REALTORS have advocated for policies that encourage access to housing for all Canadians, from emergency shelter to subsidized housing to social housing and homeownership. We Advocate for creative solutions and policies to increase the housing supply in Canada, address current housing challenges and allow Canadians access to safe, stable and affordable housing options.
