Removing barriers to build more homes, faster in Toronto, Ontario
December 21, 2023
Toronto, Ontario
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Right now, in communities across the country, building the housing we need, especially affordable housing, is too hard. That’s why the federal government is working with municipalities to break down barriers and build more homes, faster so Canadians – from young families, to seniors, to newcomers – can find a place to call home, at a price they can afford.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the federal government has reached an agreement with the City of Toronto, Ontario, to fast-track nearly 12,000 new housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of more than 53,000 homes over the next decade and help meet the demand in Toronto.
Under the Housing Accelerator Fund, this agreement will provide over $471 million to eliminate barriers to build the housing we need, faster. It will allow for more housing options in the city, including multiplexes of up to four storeys and four units. City council has also committed to considering six units as-of-right in the new year. The agreement will allow for more apartment buildings, encourage below-market rentals, speed up development processes, and help build new affordable rental units near public transit stations. As part of the agreement, Toronto will work to streamline zoning bylaw approvals, expand affordable rental programs, cut red tape, and unlock non-market housing. It will also take action to address “renovictions”, whereby a landlord can evict a tenant for the sole purpose of undertaking renovations or repairs on a home. These initiatives are going to significantly improve the way affordable housing is built and delivered in Canada’s largest city.
The Housing Accelerator Fund is helping cut red tape and fast-track the construction of over 380,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada over the next decade. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
The Government of Canada is supporting the middle class – and housing is key to that work. Our plan to double the rate of housing construction over the next decade will help build the housing supply we need. We will continue to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous partners, to keep building more homes for Canadians, faster, and make life better for everyone.
Quotes
“Like so many cities across Canada, Toronto needs more homes, and fast. That’s why we’re working with mayors across the country to cut red tape and change the way we build housing. Today’s announcement with Toronto will help build more homes, faster, so that every Canadian has a good place to call their own.”
“I am proud to be part of a government that believes and invests in a thriving and growing Toronto ‒ and today’s announcement is yet another example of our commitment to this incredible city. I know that housing is the top priority for millions of Torontonians ‒ including for people in my own community ‒ and the funding we are announcing today will play an essential role in building more of the homes that Torontonians need, faster.”
“Today’s announcement will help fast track 11,780 homes for Torontonians in the next three years and tens of thousands homes over the next decade. By working with cities, mayors, and all levels of government, we are helping to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.”
“Torontonians are grateful to Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Fraser for their $471 million investment in building more housing, quickly, in our city. Toronto is ready to build. We’ve set a new goal of building 65,000 rent-controlled homes, and we’re committed to the provincial target of 285,000 homes by 2031. Housing Accelerator Fund investments are essential to addressing the housing crisis and meeting these targets. Everyone deserves an affordable roof over their heads, and today’s announcement helps make that a reality.”
Quick Facts
- Toronto is the most populous city in Canada. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) will see the largest increase in population in the region, adding 3.3 million residents over the next two decades. The GTA’s population is expected to grow from 7.2 million in 2022 to over 10.5 million in 2046.
- The City of Toronto is committed to addressing the housing crisis and has recently approved a new zoning change, allowing two-, three-, and four-unit multiplexes, which had previously not been allowed in many parts of the city.
- The City of Toronto’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement will help build a diverse housing with diverse densities, including missing middle housing to meet the needs of the local community.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2026-27. It is designed to help cities, towns, and Indigenous governments unlock new housing supply through innovative approaches.
- This fall, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced three other Housing Accelerator Fund agreements in Ontario, in Brampton, London, and Vaughan, as well as agreements with Vancouver, British Columbia, and with the Province of Quebec. The Government of Canada has announced a further ten Housing Accelerator Fund agreements this year, in Richmond Hill, Calgary, Kitchener, Kelowna, Hamilton, Halifax, Moncton, Mississauga, Winnipeg, and Burnaby. Combined, these agreements will fast-track the creation of over 33,000 additional housing units over the next three years alone, and an estimated total of over 380,000 homes over the next decade.
- On November 10, 2023, the Government of Canada announced a contribution of nearly $44 million, through the $1.5 billion Rapid Housing Initiative, to help create over 106 affordable housing units for Torontonians in need of supportive, accessible, and affordable housing.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
- Since the creation of the NHS, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of over 151,803 units and the repair of over 241,133. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
- Since 2015, the government has helped almost two million Canadians find a place to call home.
Associated Links
- Housing Accelerator Fund
- Housing Accelerator Fund – Building more homes, faster
- Making housing more affordable for Canadians
- National Housing Strategy
December 20, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of the Honourable John Godfrey:
“I was sad to learn of the passing of the Honourable John Godfrey, an educator, journalist, and former Member of Parliament.
“Born in Toronto, Ontario, Mr. Godfrey studied at the University of Toronto and Oxford University before starting a career in education. He taught for many years at Dalhousie University, and later became President of the University of King’s College, in Halifax, where he founded the respected School of Journalism. While at King’s, he helped advance important causes, including addressing the food crisis in Ethiopia ‒ one of the worst humanitarian events of the 20th century.
“The son of a senator, Mr. Godfrey understood the importance of public service and spent much of his life advocating for members of his community and for all Canadians. After working as editor of the Financial Post and then Vice-President of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, he entered politics and was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Ontario riding of Don Valley West, which he represented for many years. During his time in Parliament, he served twice as a Parliamentary Secretary and later as Minister of State for Infrastructure and Communities. In this role, he strengthened relationships with municipalities and his leadership helped spur infrastructure investments from coast to coast to coast. This included the signing of gas tax agreements across the country as a key element of the New Deal for Cities and Communities. Mr. Godfrey believed in building better communities and providing newcomers to Canada with full opportunities, and he was committed to our collective responsibility to protect the environment and address climate change.
“After retiring from politics, Mr. Godfrey returned to the field of education, serving for six years as the headmaster of the Toronto French School.
“In recognition of his meaningful and lasting contributions to public life, including his support to cultural and social justice organizations, Mr. Godfrey was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2018.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Godfrey’s family and friends. His dedication to serving Canadians will continue to be an inspiration to me and many others.”
December 19, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Tusk on his appointment following Poland’s Parliamentary elections and the formation of a new governing coalition.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to working together to advance shared priorities and tackle global challenges. They condemned Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and pledged to continue strengthening transatlantic security and stability.
The prime ministers also discussed means to bolster energy security in Poland and Europe, including through the use of nuclear technology.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Tusk agreed to remain in regular contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-Poland relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister congratulating Donald Tusk on his appointment as Prime Minister of Poland
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
December 19, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Premier of the Northwest Territories, R.J. Simpson, to congratulate him on his selection as premier and to discuss shared priorities.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed how their governments can work together on advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, accelerating the fight against climate change, making life more affordable, and building more homes, faster.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Simpson committed to staying in touch on these and other shared priorities and looked forward to having a constructive relationship going forward.
Associated Link
December 20, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the appointment of Marie-Chantal Girard as the new President of the Public Service Commission of Canada.
This appointment, which was recently approved by the House of Commons and the Senate, is effective January 2, 2024.
As President of the Public Service Commission of Canada, Ms. Girard will lead the Commission in its mission to safeguard the integrity of staffing in the federal public service and maintain the political impartiality of public servants.
Biographical Note
Associated Links
- Prime Minister announces nomination of Marie-Chantal Girard as President of the Public Service Commission of Canada
- Public Service Commission of Canada
December 20, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the appointment of Eric Janse as the new Clerk of the House of Commons.
This appointment, which was approved by the House of Commons, is effective December 18, 2023.
Mr. Janse is a long-time public servant with a wealth of experience in procedural and legislative services. He started his career at the House of Commons in 1992 and, since then, he has worked to uphold the House’s mission of strengthening the democratic process and fostering respect for parliamentary institutions. He has served as Acting Clerk of the House of Commons since February 2023.
As the chief executive of the House of Commons administration, Mr. Janse will advise the Speaker and all Members of the House of Commons on the interpretation of parliamentary rules, precedents, and practices. He will work at the service of all Members, regardless of their party affiliation, and will act with impartiality and discretion.
Quote
“Mr. Janse is a dedicated public servant with a proven track record of providing reliable, non-partisan advice. I am confident that he will continue to be a valuable asset in helping uphold the integrity of the House of Commons and ensuring the efficiency of its proceedings.”
Quick Facts
- As set out in Chapter 13 (111.1) of the Standing Orders of the House of Commons, the nomination for this position is referred to the appropriate standing committee (i.e., the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs). The appointment to the position is made by the Governor in Council in accordance with the Public Service Employment Act.
- Mr. Janse was selected for this role through the government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
Biographical Note
December 20, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed the following individuals as independent senators to fill vacancies in the Senate for Ontario:
- Marnie McBean
- Paulette Senior
- Toni Varone
Marnie McBean is a motivational speaker, published author, and one of the most decorated Olympians in Canadian history. An Officer of the Order of Canada, she continues to champion social justice causes and to serve as a role model for young Canadian athletes.
Paulette Senior is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Women’s Foundation and was previously the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canada. She has devoted her life to breaking down systemic barriers and building up women and girls of diverse backgrounds.
Toni Varone is a businessman and philanthropist. He is the President of the Varone Group and a long-time board member of the Villa Charities Foundation. His life-long civic engagement has been centred on building safe, affordable housing and promoting the social and cultural life of Toronto’s Italian-Canadian community.
Quote
“With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Marnie McBean, Paulette Senior, and Toni Varone will be important voices for their communities as Parliament’s newest independent senators. I look forward to working with them and with all senators to make progress on the issues that matter most to Canadians and to help build a better future for everyone.”
Quick Facts
- The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country. Created to counterbalance representation by population in the House of Commons, the Senate not only defends regional interests, it also creates a space for the voices of historically underrepresented groups like Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, and women.
- In 2016, the selection process for senators was opened to all Canadians. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Board is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates.
- With today’s announcement, there have been 78 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. All of them were recommended by the Board.
- Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Once appointed by the Governor General, new senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial and territorial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.
Biographical Notes
Associated Links
- Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
- Senate Appointments Process – Questions and Answers
- Senate of Canada
