Housing Minister Gregor Robertson told the Commons the federal government wants to see the overall cost of housing decrease, even as new data shows shelter costs now consume more than half of household incomes on average.“Though the federal government does not control the price of housing, we want to see the overall cost of housing come down,” Robertson said. “That’s why we are spending.”Blacklock's Reporter says Robertson highlighted the government’s housing plan as the most ambitious in Canadian history but did not explain how costs would actually be reduced. .Earlier this month, he told reporters that lowering prices was not the solution, emphasizing the need to increase supply and stabilize the market instead.A 2024 departmental report showed housing costs will average 52% of household income this year, up from 38% a decade ago.Conservative MP Scott Aitchison called the data “crushing,” noting Toronto and Vancouver rank among the world’s most unaffordable cities. He cited a 58% increase in construction costs over the past five years and criticized Robertson for raising home-building taxes by 141% while serving as Vancouver mayor..Aitchison also referenced a Toronto Dominion Bank report predicting the government will fall short of its promise to build 500,000 new homes annually. “Mortgage delinquencies are at a record high. Families can’t keep up, young people can’t get in, and this Liberal government won’t show us a plan,” he said.Robertson responded, “We are taking action and will continue to take action.”Housing officials estimate Canada needs to build 3.5 million homes by 2030 on top of usual construction levels to restore affordability. Currently, annual housing starts average about 244,000, with a peak of 273,200 in 1976.CMHC chief economist Bob Dugan testified last year that achieving affordability goals is a “very ambitious” and difficult task. “I don’t see how we will attain it,” he said.
