OREA CEO Tim Hudak Statement on Conservative Party of Canada Housing Plan

“Ontario is experiencing an unprecedented housing affordability and supply crisis, one that is occurring during country-wide inflation, while cost-of-living is also rising rapidly. This is why we need all levels of government to step up and champion pro-housing policies.

The housing plan put forward today by Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada is exactly what we need if we want to solve the housing affordability crisis. The plan links transit and infrastructure to housing completions, and will go a long way in bringing affordability closer to home for many Ontarians and their families.

For years, Ontario REALTORS® have been calling on decision-makers to reduce red tape and regulations, increase housing options and choice in the market, release underused government lands for housing, and to focus on building transit-oriented communities.

Poilievre’s plan addresses all four of these areas, which will help Ontario attract and connect economic opportunities, as well as save people time and money – two of the most precious things we have, particularly during economic uncertainty.

The CPC plan further proposes incentives designed to encourage municipalities to proactively exceed existing housing targets and to push back against local NIMBYism, both very welcome approaches. Reallocating funds to municipalities that are making exceptional efforts to reduce delays and exceed building targets would not only be effective, but also shows political courage to stand up against bureaucratic red tape.

This is important work and we need to be doing all that we can to build more affordable homes across the country. OREA commends Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada for putting these ideas on the table, and we encourage the federal government to consider implementing these policies sooner rather than later. All levels of government and political parties must continue collaborating to reach our shared goal of building 1.5 million more homes by 2031.”

- Tim Hudak, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association