Canada's inflation rate rose to 1.9% in June as prices of cars, clothes rise.Housing starts continue to grow in Alberta and the Prairies, leading the country in 2025, according to a report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).According to data from CMHC, during the first half of 2025, there were 27,902 housing starts in Alberta, and 33,690 in the Prairies.“Through the first six months of the year, national housing starts have increased marginally compared to 2024. However, new home construction varies significantly across Canada. Québec and the Prairie provinces have accelerated the pace of construction for single-detached homes and purpose-built rentals. By contrast, weak condo market conditions in Toronto and Vancouver have contributed to declines in overall housing starts in these regions,” said Kevin Hughes, CMHC’s deputy chief economist.The government of Alberta said in a news release Monday that the increased housing starts come as more people call Alberta home.Alberta makes up less than 13% of Canada’s population..“Alberta continues to lead the country in new housing starts, with nearly 28,000 homes underway in the first half of 2025 – a more than 30% increase over last year’s record pace. This sustained momentum highlights the continued collaboration between industry, the provincial government, and municipalities in reducing barriers and supporting housing affordability,” said Scott Fash, chief executive officer of BILD Alberta.According to the release, the government of Alberta has been encouraging housing starts by "cutting red tape through the Stop Housing Delays portal, its support of innovative housing strategies, and its investment-friendly, low-tax environment."“While other jurisdictions are falling behind, Alberta continues to step up – leading the way in housing construction," said Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Jason Nixon, in the release..Albertans seeing bigger paycheques as tax cuts come into effect
