CALGARY — Few Canadians believe Ottawa is getting housing right, with many saying relief is years away despite repeated federal claims of progress, according to internal research obtained by Blacklock's Reporter.Privy Council Office focus groups found widespread skepticism that Housing Minister Gregor Robertson is making meaningful headway on affordability, with participants overwhelmingly concluding the government is either on the wrong track or failing to show results.“Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was on the right or wrong track when it came to housing, a slightly larger number in these groups believed it was on the wrong track compared to those who were more uncertain or mixed in their views with very few believing it was headed in the right direction,” researchers wrote in the November 14 report Continuous Qualitative Data Collection Of Canadians’ Views.The findings point to a broad consensus among participants that Canada is in a housing crisis, with many describing affordability pressures as worsening for both lower- and middle-income households. Respondents said rising costs are forcing families to cut back spending in other areas just to keep up with housing expenses.“Several expressed the feeling that until housing prices became more manageable for a greater number of Canadians it was difficult to say the government was performing well,” the report noted.The research, based on focus groups commissioned under a $1.6 million contract with The Strategic Counsel, also highlighted a sense of resignation among Canadians. .Housing minister admits Buy Canadian policy won’t require majority Canadian materials .Many participants said even if federal policies eventually take effect, meaningful improvements could take years to materialize.“For participants who were more uncertain or mixed in their views, a number believed there was only so much the Government of Canada could do to influence the cost of housing on the free market,” the report said, adding that the scale of the crisis means “it would take a long time” before any “tangible results” are seen.The bleak assessment contrasts sharply with repeated claims from Robertson that federal efforts are working.“We are seeing good housing starts in many cities across the country,” Robertson told the House of Commons on February 5.“Our plan is working to deliver on affordability,” he said February 2.“We saw solid housing starts.”However, projections from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation suggest the outlook may worsen before it improves.A February 10 housing market outlook forecast that new home construction will decline through 2028, citing high costs, weaker demand and rising inventories of unsold homes.The agency said condominium construction is expected to be particularly weak, while rental development — though still a key driver of supply — will also slow over time.Even with current efforts, housing starts remain well below the roughly 500,000 units per year the federal government has said are needed to restore affordability.The findings reinforce a growing disconnect between Ottawa’s messaging and public sentiment, as Canadians continue to grapple with a housing market many now view as out of reach.
