I want to address a couple of criticisms I’ve been hearing about this initiative.
First, there’s a misconception that Ottawa will be out there swinging hammers and pouring concrete. That’s not the case. The government’s role is to coordinate the financing and development, while hiring private builders to actually construct the homes. Think of it as Ottawa setting the table and making sure the meal gets served, but the private sector still does the cooking.
Second, some argue the government shouldn’t be in the business of housing at all. But let’s be honest, the private sector simply can’t, and won’t, deliver affordable housing for low- and middle-income Canadians. That’s always been a public responsibility. For decades, the federal government took that role seriously, until they walked away in the 1990s. We’ve been living with the fallout ever since.
That’s why Build Canada Homes matters. It’s the government stepping back into a role it never should have abandoned. Not just funding programs, but actually building, buying, and preserving affordable homes.
Will it succeed? Time will tell. But given the Prime Minister’s track record, I’m optimistic he knows how to get this done.
Either way, it’s a step in the right direction.
John Pasalis is President of Realosophy Realty. A specialist in real estate data analysis, John’s research focuses on unlocking micro trends in the Greater Toronto Area real estate market. His research has been utilized by the Bank of Canada, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Have questions about your own moves in the Toronto area as a buyer, seller, investor or renter? Book a no-obligation consult with John and his team at a Realosophy here: https://www.movesmartly.com/meetjohn
September 16, 2025
Market |