Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today: Your Canadian Money Brief

  Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | moneysavings.ca/canadian-money-brief 1. The Bank of Canada Is Watching — And So Should You Markets are closely parsing every signal from the Bank of Canada ahead of its next rate announcement. With inflation holding stubbornly above target in key categories like shelter and groceries, economists are split on whether another cut is on the table or a longer hold is in store. If you're carrying variable-rate debt or sitting on a GIC renewal, now is the time to model both scenarios. What to do: Don't lock into a long-term rate product until after the next announcement. A few days of patience could save you thousands. 2. Spring Housing Market: More Listings, Less Panic After years of near-empty inventory, more Canadian sellers are finally listing — particularly in the Greater Toronto Area and Greater Vancouver. The uptick in supply is giving buyers breathing room they haven't seen since pre-pandemic times. That said, prices haven't mean...

article

Liberals Unveil Ambitious Plan to Address Housing Crisis: 3.9 Million Homes by 2031

 

The federal Liberals have stepped up their commitment to tackle the housing crisis head-on. Their comprehensive plan aims to address a spectrum of housing affordability challenges faced by Canadians, from the elusive dream of homeownership to soaring rental costs and homelessness. Here are the key highlights of their ambitious strategy:

  1. Tax Incentives for Homebuilding:

    • The federal government plans to increase the capital cost allowance rate for apartments from 4% to 10%. This move will empower builders to write off more expenses on their taxes.
    • Additionally, the GST exemption on rentals will extend to student residences built by public universities, colleges, and school authorities.
  2. Funding to Combat Homelessness:

    • Communities across the country grapple with encampments and limited shelter spaces. To address this, the Liberal government is allocating an additional $1 billion over four years to the Reaching Homes program—a federal homelessness initiative.
    • An extra $250 million is earmarked to help communities transition people from encampments into stable housing.
  3. Historic Shift in Land Use:

    • The Liberals pledge to revolutionize how public lands are utilized for housing. Rather than selling off land, they aim to make more of it available for home construction through leasing arrangements.
  4. A Call to Action:

    • Ottawa emphasizes that solving the national housing crisis requires collaboration among all levels of government. Housing Minister Sean Fraser underscores the need for joint efforts and incentives to achieve this critical task.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau aptly describes this plan as “a scale not seen in generations.” With nearly 3.9 million homes envisioned by 2031, the Liberals are committed to reshaping Canada’s housing landscape and ensuring that every Canadian has a place to call home.

Comments