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Canada’s housing crisis stems from decades of short-term, reactive policymaking instead of thoughtful, long-term planning. At every level—federal, provincial, and municipal—governments have often chosen quick political fixes such as tighter mortgage rules, temporary tax measures, or short-lived incentives, rather than addressing the structural issues in zoning, infrastructure, and land use. This piecemeal approach has created significant regulatory and financial barriers to new housing supply, particularly in major urban centres where demand is strongest.
Today, fees, taxes, and lengthy approval processes make up a large share of the cost of newly built homes. Developers face complex permitting systems, long delays, and high development charges that drive up expenses—costs that are ultimately passed on to homebuyers and renters. While these charges are meant to fund infrastructure and public services, they often deter new construction. The lack of consistency across jurisdictions further discourages developers from pursuing long-term projects that could better meet future housing needs.
The human impact is clear: worsening affordability for middle- and lower-income Canadians, widening inequality in housing access, and mounting pressure on renters and first-time buyers. Addressing this crisis requires a shift toward long-term, coordinated action—national housing strategies that align all levels of government, streamline approvals, and remove incentives that prioritize speculation over real housing supply. Without such a change, Canada’s housing challenges will only intensify.
Read the full article on: NATIONAL POST
