Canada’s housing plan needs a remodel: Senator Varone – SenCA+

February 21, 2025

One of Canada’s greatest challenges is the escalating affordable housing crisis, primarily stemming from a significant supply and demand imbalance. The National Housing Strategy lacks the robustness necessary to effectively address this issue.

The demand for new housing throughout the country far exceeds the available supply, with an estimated need for 1.3 million additional homes beyond current projections. This imbalance leads to persistent upward price pressures, creating financial strain on Canadians, particularly first-time homebuyers. The resulting effects further limit rental availability and affordability, placing additional burdens on governments to create more affordable housing options.

The housing crisis continues to perpetuate socio-economic disparities. The intersection of housing affordability with issues such as mental health, addiction and poverty deepens the vulnerability of those marginalized groups experiencing homelessness. Indigenous communities, in particular, face specific challenges, such as inadequate living conditions, overcrowding and limited access to essential services.

Given the complexity and seriousness of the affordable housing crisis, we need a National Housing Strategy that can adapt to changing conditions and encourages collaboration between federal, provincial and municipal governments, while actively engaging the private sector.

Read More: https://sencanada.ca/en/sencaplus/opinion/canadas-housing-plan-needs-a-remodel-senator-varone/