Front Burner Can Canada’s housing minister make homes cheaper?
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Sep 17, 2025 Gregor Robertson, Canada’s Housing Minister, dives into the pressing housing affordability crisis affecting Canadians today. He shares insights on the Liberal government's $13-billion initiative, Build Canada Homes, aimed at boosting housing construction. Robertson discusses the need for diverse housing options and streamlined bureaucracy to enhance efficiency. He also highlights challenges in cities like Vancouver, where home prices skyrocketed, and emphasizes innovative policies to recalibrate the housing market. Can his plans make homes more affordable? Listen to find out!
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Supply Shortfall Is The Main Culprit
- Robertson argues the core problem is insufficient supply of the right kind of housing, especially affordable units supported by government.
- Canada builds about half the per-capita housing of peer OECD countries, creating a long-term gap to close.
Use A One-Stop Agency And Modular Construction
- Build Canada Homes will act as a one-stop shop using federal land, financing, and industry modernization to lower costs.
- Robertson urges modernizing construction with factory-built components to speed builds and reduce prices.
First 4,000 Factory-Built Rentals
- The first wave includes 4,000 factory-built rental homes on six federal sites across Canada.
- Robertson says these will target people priced out of the market and can include co-ops, workforce housing, and below-market rents.