New measures to address housing affordability across Canada
March 25, 2019
Maple Ridge, British Columbia
Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. But in some of our communities, too many people struggle to find an affordable place to live, because there are not enough houses to buy, or apartments to rent.
The Government of Canada is working hard to meet these challenges. In 2017, we launched Canada’s first ever National Housing Strategy – and with Budget 2019, we are proposing significant new measures to make sure all Canadian families can find a good quality, affordable place to call home.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today visited Maple Ridge, British Columbia, to highlight Budget 2019 measures to increase the supply of housing and make housing more affordable and accessible for people across the country.
With this year’s budget, the Government of Canada is expanding the Rental Construction Financing Initiative to build more rental units in communities across Canada. This would help keep rental prices stable and competitive, and provide more affordable rental options. Budget 2019 also proposes a Housing Supply Challenge, which would invite municipalities and other organizations to propose innovative solutions to help get more new housing built. In addition, to make housing more affordable for those looking to buy their first home, we are modernizing the Home Buyer’s Plan. For the first time in ten years, we are increasing the amount that first-time home buyers can withdraw from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan without adding to their income for the year, from $25,000 to $35,000.
To help ensure British Columbians have the housing they need, Budget 2019 proposes support for the Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Supply and Affordability. The Expert Panel – a joint initiative of the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia – will examine trends in rental and homeownership. It will consult with stakeholders to provide advice on new approaches to better meet the future housing needs of British Columbians and all Canadians.
Through Budget 2019, the government also announced the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, a landmark new program that will make it easier for more Canadians to buy their first home. Under the program, eligible first-time home buyers could share a part of the cost of buying a home with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). For eligible buyers, the program would both reduce the size of their insured mortgage and lower monthly mortgage payments. That means more money for Canadians to put toward the things that matter to them – from furthering their education, to putting their kids in sports, to saving for retirement.
Together, these measures will help housing prices grow at a more moderate pace and make it easier and more affordable for more Canadians to rent or buy a home, while keeping markets accessible for future generations. They will play a key role in our plan to help all Canadians build a better future for themselves and their families.
Quote
“Too many Canadian families are being priced out of buying or renting where they live, because there are not enough homes to keep up with the demand. Safe, affordable homes give Canadian families the stability and opportunities they need to thrive in their communities. Our government is taking action to increase the housing supply in communities across the country, make housing more affordable for more Canadians, and make sure our cities remain great places to live, now and into the future.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Over three years, the Government of Canada invested over $826 million for housing in British Columbia, including support for the construction of more than 8,000 new housing units.
- Budget 2019, Investing in the Middle Class, is the government’s plan to create more good well-paying jobs, put homeownership within reach of more Canadians, help working people get the training they need to succeed, support seniors, and lay the foundation for national pharmacare.
- The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, administered by the CMHC, would help eligible Canadians with a household income under $120,000 per year afford to buy their first home.
- Through the new Incentive, the CMHC would provide 5 per cent of the value of a home for a first-time homebuyer through a shared investment.
- To encourage the construction of new housing supply, the Incentive would increase to 10 per cent for a newly-built home.
- Additional information about the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive will be released by CMHC later this year.
- Budget 2019 proposes to expand the Rental Construction Financing Initiative, by making an additional $10 billion over nine years available in financing to help build 42,500 new affordable rental units across the country.
- It would also provide $300 million to launch a new Housing Supply Challenge through the Impact Canada Initiative.
- The Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Supply and Affordability will be comprised of leaders and specialists in a range of fields, who will consult to identify and evaluate measures that could build on recent investments and initiatives to increase the supply of housing to meet demand in British Columbia.
Associated Links
- Budget 2019
- Canada’s National Housing Strategy
- Rental Construction Financing Initiative
- Expert Panel on the Future of Housing Supply and Affordability
- Impact Canada Initiative
- Budget 2019 doubles support for municipal infrastructure priorities this year
March 21, 2019
Ottawa, OntarioIn communities like Mississauga, people depend on every order of government to work together to deliver the infrastructure projects they need – from expanding highways, to improving public transit, to building new recreational centres.The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today visited Mississauga, Ontario, to highlight the Municipal Infrastructure Top-Up announced in Budget 2019. This top-up will double the amount of money that municipalities get through the gas tax transfer for 2018-19, and give much needed support for local priorities.Municipalities and First Nations communities will be able to use the funds to complete projects currently underway, create good, well-paying jobs, and make their communities better places to live. The funds will help address the short-term priorities of municipalities, including repairing roads, expanding bus fleets, and building water treatment facilities.With Budget 2019, the Government of Canada is taking steps to strengthen the communities Canadians call home, while making everyday life more affordable for the middle class and people working hard to join it.Quotes
“Since 2016, we have invested in thousands of infrastructure projects that have helped improve the lives of people in communities across the country. With the Municipal Infrastructure Top-Up, we are taking real, concrete steps to directly provide cities and towns with more funding so they can invest it where people need it the most.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada"I want to thank the federal government for recognizing the important role that cities play in powering the nation through this year's budget. The commitment to double the gas tax funding this year will significantly help cities like Mississauga maintain aging infrastructure and build new transit, roads, cycling infrastructure, and much more. The federal government recognizes that cities have the local expertise to deal with local matters, and we need direct funding and tools to ensure we can build stronger, more prosperous communities. City building is nation building.”
—Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of MississaugaQuick Facts
- Budget 2019, Investing in the Middle Class, is the government’s plan to create more good well-paying jobs, put homeownership within reach of more Canadians, help working people get the training they need to succeed, support seniors, and lay the foundation for national pharmacare.
- With many municipalities across Canada facing serious infrastructure needs, Budget 2019 proposes a one-time transfer of $2.2 billion through the federal Gas Tax Fund to address short-term priorities in municipalities and First Nations communities.
- Projects under this fund can be used for the following:
- Productivity and economic growth – including highways and local roads, public transit, and regional and local airports
- Clean environment – including drinking water, wastewater, and community energy systems
- Strong cities and communities – including sport and recreation, cultural and tourism, and capacity building
Associated Link
Statement by the Prime Minister on Holi
March 21, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the occasion of Holi:
“Today, we join Hindu communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate Holi, also known as the Festival of Colours.
“Holi welcomes the beginning of spring and is a chance to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Together, friends and loved ones will gather to celebrate with song, dance, and seasonal delicacies. People will light bonfires, and paint each other with vibrant coloured powders and dyes.
“A celebration of the triumph of good over evil, Holi is also a time to strengthen friendships and to pray for the good fortune and health of our loved ones. This occasion remind us all of the power of forgiveness to create a better world.
“Holi is one of the most celebrated festivals in South Asia, and Hindus and non-Hindus alike take part, in many parts of the world. Here in Canada, we recognize the important contributions Canadians of Hindu faith have made – and continue to make – to our country.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish all those celebrating Holi a joyful and colourful festival.
“Holi Hai!”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Nowruz
March 21, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Nowruz:
“As winter fades to spring and a new year begins, we join Persian, Afghan, Kurdish, Zoroastrian, Bahá’í, Central Asian, and Ismaili communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate Nowruz.
“Nowruz marks the beginning of spring and the New Year in the Persian calendar. For millennia, Nowruz – which means ‘new day’– has brought family and friends together around the haft-seen table to celebrate, feast, and appreciate life’s gifts.
“Around the globe, millions embrace Nowruz as a chance to reflect on the past year and share aspirations for a peaceful and harmonious year ahead. For Bahá’ís, this occasion is celebrated as a Holy Day, marking the end of 19 days of fasting and the beginning of a new year in the Bahá’í calendar.
“Nowruz reminds us that inclusion and respect for diversity is our greatest strength. Today, we take time to thank the many communities that observe Nowruz for their important contributions to building a better Canada.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to all who celebrate Nowruz. May you have a prosperous and joyful New Year.
“Har Ruz etan Nowrouz, Nowruz etan Pyrouz.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
“Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we reflect on the progress we have made as a global community to end racial discrimination in all of its forms. We also turn to the work left to do so that everyone’s rights are respected – no matter their race, colour, ethnicity, or national origin.
“Activists around the globe have long led the fight against racial discrimination – across the generations and from country to country. It’s thanks to their leadership – their courage, their vision, and their tenacity – that we have seen real progress toward a just and equal future. But we know we still have a long way to go.
“The Government of Canada is working hard to build a country where everyone’s rights and freedoms are protected, and everyone’s voice is heard. Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is a key step towards that. We have taken significant steps to renew our relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. In 2016, Canada announced its full support for the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and we are working to implement it in full partnership and consultation with Indigenous peoples.
“We are also taking concrete action to combat racism and make sure that Indigenous people, Black Canadians, and people of every race, colour, ethnicity, religion, and national origin across the country have the support they need to prosper. With Budget 2019, we announced $45 million over three years to support a new Canada-wide Anti-Racism Strategy. In recognition of the International Decade for People of African Descent, we are also investing $25 million to provide support and fund projects to help Black Canadian communities thrive.
“Injustice and inequality harm us all. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage Canadians to stand up against discrimination, racism, and xenophobia, whenever and wherever they occur. By working together, we can build a more just and inclusive world for all of us.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of La Francophonie
March 20, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of La Francophonie:
“Today, on the International Day of La Francophonie, we join Francophones in Canada and around the world to celebrate the French language and the diversity and richness of Francophone culture.
“Francophone communities are at the heart of our history, our heritage, and our identity as a country. They have played a fundamental role in building our country for centuries. The Canada we know today is vibrant, open, and inclusive – and that’s thanks in large part to the vision and hard work of Francophones.
“The French language also connects us to communities around the globe. As a proud member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Canada is working with Francophone partners around the world to promote our common values, including peace, democracy, diversity, and respect for human rights.
“This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Official Languages Act. By establishing the equal status of our two official languages, this law has helped Canada become not only a more just country, but also stronger and more prosperous.
“The Government of Canada is working hard to support Francophone communities and protect their rights, particularly for those in minority language situations – and with our Action Plan for Official Languages, we are making the largest investment in this area in Canadian history. Francophone communities help make us who we are. Keeping Canada strong means keeping the French language thriving – and helping those who speak it across the country to make their voices heard.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage all Canadians to participate in activities being held in their communities to mark this important day. I wish all those celebrating, here at home and around the world, a wonderful International Day of La Francophonie.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
March 17, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Trudeau and Mayor Khan discussed the tragic terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand on March 15, 2019. The Prime Minister and the Mayor reiterated their condemnation of this despicable act of terrorism, and expressed their sympathies to and solidarity with all those affected. They discussed the importance of combatting fear, and supporting Muslim communities and people everywhere following this tragedy.
The two leaders shared their profound concerns about Islamophobia and other forms of hatred and extremism, including white supremacy. They agreed that political leaders at all levels have a responsibility to confront and counter these dangerous forces, and that diversity and inclusion are sources of strength and are core to free societies.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Mayor Khan looked forward to continuing their dialogue and collaboration on keeping our cities safe, prosperous, and open.
