The federal housing minister (and former Vancouver mayor and BC MLA) Gregor Robertson spoke to UBCM delegates about what the federal government is doing to help address the housing crisis. With a focus on the new Build Canada Homes investment, he reiterated the federal government’s focus on building non-market housing across the country. Canada has less than 5% non-market housing, which is far below peer countries in Europe and Asia.
“I'll be clear about this: homes in Canada must first and foremost be for people to live in,” he said to applause.
The federal investment in new housing will prioritize Canadian building materials, ensuring that value-adds from Canadian resources – including BC lumber – happen here. Robertson also committed to bringing a new initiative with regards to Development Cost Charges later this fall.