I often wonder if conservative parties are all that different from their opposition. Witholding federal funding in order to browbeat civic governments into changing their housing policies to meet arbitrary targets sounds a lot like central planning. You could just drop federal housing subsidies altogether, repeal federal building codes and put an end to zero percent interest rates, but someone clearly thinks that this won’t buy enough votes.
Require big, unaffordable cities to build more homes and speed up the rate at which they build homes every year to meet our housing targets. Cities must increase the number of homes built by 15% each year and then 15% on top of the previous target every single year (it compounds). If targets are missed, cities will have to catch up in the following years and build even more homes, or a percentage of their federal funding will be withheld, equivalent to the percentage they missed their target by.
Or remove red tape and cost for building new homes and acquiring land. The core problem is supply and demand not interest rates.
The State of CA mandates … in all NEW construction:
– Fire Sprinklers throughout the home
– High voltage EV hookups in the garages
– Solar panels on the roof, based on size and electrical demand of the home
– All high efficiency appliances
– High levels of insulation
– Testing and certification of all ductwork for leakage
– geotech (soil) report for all homes
The list actually goes on and on … and then the State wonders why new homes are so expensive.
Exactly so, Allan. Government regulation reduces supply. One of the biggest increases in homelessness in Toronto came in the 1970s when Toronto’s “Tiny Perfect Mayor” David Crombie leveled a series of regulations banning or limiting basement apartments. This prompted a huge collapse in low cost apartment availability and a surge in homelessness.
Well done, Crombie. You were as inept at dealing with the need for low cost housing as the dirtbags in California, Chicago and New York who have been screwing it up for decades. You took a situation and created MORE homelessness not less. But then, bad consequences are what is to be expected from all socialists everywhere.
The core problem is supply and demand not interest rates.
No. The core problem is illegal aliens & Lieberal immigration policy.
BINGO DB.
1000% Bang on the Buck.
Trudeau has brought in how many since 2020..??
2.5-3 Million…..?
Plus remove too many rich laundering $$ immigrants who buy empty homes/many refugees/elder family reunification folks cluttering hospitals/illegal border crossers etc., many with low skills and some from cultures that are not a good fit.
Future housing supply can not be in the big cities anymore. A 650 ft. apt in some high rise is not a real home for anyone.
Agree DB
“Or remove red tape and cost for building new homes and acquiring land. The core problem is supply and demand not interest rates.”
Yes, and admitting HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS more immigrants to Canada is making that demand impossible to meet. Supply and demand works both ways: reduce the demand and you reduce the prices by increasing availability. The “build more units” and “increase density” tactics have been in use for many years already, and are clearly not working.
Every time I remind people that Poilievre is a politician they just mutter something about better than getting hit with a stick or something. Yeah, he’s better than Trudeau, but damn, that is a terribly low bar. I’ll be voting pollievre just like I voted Harper just cause I hate getting hit with sticks.
Honestly, I have a better chance of winning lottomax than pollievre being a true conservative. If pollievre wins we’ll still have a bloated bureaucracy and the cbc by the end of his first, second and third terms if he gets that far and we the taxpayer will still be forking over half our pay to the the various levels of our overlords.
It’s a big club, and you ain’t in it.
Sadly True. It will be revealed quickly, if PP’s first move if he gets in is not defunding the CBC and removing all subsidies for other media, we’ll know that he isn’t serious. Second should be elimination of all bureaucratic entities efforts around mis and disinformation, third elimination of all DEI. I won’t hold my breath.
Defund the CBC = Lock Her Up.
Ain’t happenin’
Ontario prick
Here in the Fascist State of CA … they are doing everything in their ill-gotten Legislative Powers to completely eliminate suburbia.
First: They eliminated single family zoning throughout the State of CA. What does that mean? My next door neighbor can sell his house to a Developer who can easily put 4 units (sometimes as many as 6 units) on our 1/4 acre lots. That’s 16+ units per acre!!
Second: The State will eliminate any city Charter if they don’t develop a plan (revise their General Plan) to build thousands more Units in their city. The target number of units is determined by the Fascists in the State “housing” bureaucracy and is based on population, access to regional transit, and several other factors. Our sleepy little suburb has just modified our General Plan to allow 40-60 du/ac which will require 6-story buildings in our tiny downtown. Any and all restrictive zoning codes that our city instituted to preserve the character and ambiance of our upper, upper, middle class suburb have been tossed in the rubbish bin.
Most of all … the State is mandating low-income housing in our suburb where the average … average … home price is > $2M. The State is intentionally devaluing our property. And when our little suburb starts looking more like Oakland with its rampant, unpunished, crime … most of the population will FLEE.
California is definitely on the forefront of terrible. Same for Vancouver, B.C., as we trend with CA on all fronts. Unlike you, I live downtown, but would like a slightly smaller place with a tiny yard for my dog. No one built anything like that here.
What I am afraid of, Kenji, is the next step: he governments deciding that you and I are “overhoused”, in that our property is too large for the # of people living there.
No spare bedrooms for you and I to house visiting friends, grandchildren or their parents. No space to store Christmas decorations, off-season clothing, books or historical family mementos. And forget the garage, unless it is EV-wired, solar-heated and the tools stored are part of your job.
I foresee my home becoming a Dr. Zhivago styled tenement for 5 unrelated unhoused families. Laundry hanging to dry in every bathroom
I can see that too, and with no heat, of course, as there are too many electrical things with no useful power.
Nuclear energy in newer small units would be useful, but greenies will not admit that it is fairly green vs. Chinese solar panels in cloudy winter climates and the ugly windmills that usually never work when needed.
Nailed it, Johnboy.
If the CPC were truly conservative, there would be no PPC, and the CPC would have my support.
Even die-hard CPC supporters are openly admitting they’re not at all impressed with “Conservatives”, and they only vote for them because they feel they have no choice.
Just imagine what this country would look like if every CPC voter abandoned them for the PPC.
Yeah, it’s bad when you have to choose the least worst!
I just quit voting. No one represents me and this model of democracy means that even if “my guy” loses, I have to accept whatever the other guy dishes out. I don’t accept that, but boyoboy if I ever get the reigns of power is there going to be some shreiking.
That is not a great choice, Eljay. Not voting is a cop-out, in my opinion! Pick the best that you can
among less than ideal choices.
Otherwise, other less wise, less informed people will decide for you.
Is that what you want?
Not voting because no one in the riding is acceptable, is acceptable. I would not vote for anyone if there was not one candidate that believes what I believe. Voting for the lesser of two evils is allowing less informed people to vote for you. Logic is difficult for many people.
Not voting is not a cop-out when there are no valid options. No different than spoiling the ballot.
“Not voting is not a cop-out when there are no valid options. No different than spoiling the ballot.”
Agreed, VOWG. I’m still amazed that I have the option of voting PPC in Vancouver-Granville.
I didn’t vote in Vancouver municipal elections for twenty years, until the last NDP Mayor screwed Vancouver traffic up so badly and there appeared to (finally) be a viable candidate who was (at least slightly) right of center to vote for.
Before this, I only had a choice of the left-wing guy, the other left-wing guy or the Communist.
“Even die-hard CPC supporters are openly admitting they’re not at all impressed with “Conservatives”, and they only vote for them because they feel they have no choice.”
Exactly, and that is such a self-defeating response to what should be a fairly simple problem. The ‘Conservatives’ are actually Liberals in disguise? Vote for *real* Conservatives, then. Doesn’t matter if they can win or not, because every vote for PPC, Maverick or any other fringe conservative-leaning party is a vote that the CPC *should* be receiving, and they know it. Let them lose enough votes and they will be forced to change their policies to something less Liberal-lite, just to stay in the game.
The Liberals are so unpopular right now that the CPC looks to be the clear winner next election. They would *still* be in that position with more conservative positions, they are just too cowardly to even attempt them. The fact that Canada is a predominantly left-leaning nation, yet the CPC are now favored to form the next government, only proves this point….you don’t see Canadian voters flocking to support the NDP instead, do you?
Jesus wept.
The government is always the problem.
The Ponzi scheme that is Canada will need to implode or break apart before shit gets better.
On that note Buddy, I and pretty much ANY thinking Albertan feels the same way.
Long overdue for Alberta/Sask to leave this Beyond fkd up Country.
We’d take Eastern/Northern BC with us as well, but the Lower MAOLand and the Island can stay NDP and remain a Dyke against any potential Tsunami from the long past OVERDue arrival of the BIG ONE… (West Coast Quake).
“Our new government will government harder, and make other levels of incompetent government government hard to solve the problems that previous governments have created.” – all politicians at some point.
If you want to know what drives up the price of new construction in the city of toronto, you just need to look at the “development charges” ranging from $97,041 for a single or semi detached to $80k for a 2+ bedroom townhouse per unit. Which of course gets built into the price and hidden. After getting screwed with those charges, you then get hit again with Toronto’s misnamed “Land Transfer tax” which the city provides no service for.
Don’t forget the HST on new houses
Just a start, this could go on infinitely:
We need to import more workers to build more homes for the people that we need to to bring in to build the homes for.
We need to build millions of homes to fight climate change.
We need to do all this with less energy but more bureaucracy,
This must be done cheaper but using the latest in in innovation and the most expensive energy costs with far higher fuel costs and highest carbon tax ever.
We need to bring millions of men and women from warm countries and put them in a cold climate so they can help fight “global warming”.
If it doesn’t work its your fault, not the governments.
Brought to you by
Larry, Curly and Moe (Trudeau, Freeland, Guilbeault)
The: Not My Fault were just in charge crew
The feds need to back the hell out of areas that are not in their wheelhouse. Cut federal taxes HUGELY and give the tax room to the provinces (which can then decide what to do) and then people can kick the crap out of those responsible rather than far-off (in terms of distance and policy) Ottawa fascists.
No one should buy any new home built in a new subdivision after these clowns fire the starting pistol on this mad dash to build hundreds of thousands of homes to compensate for Trudeau’s increased immigration levels. Where do all the skilled trades come from, and don’t suggest from the ranks of the “new” Canadians as they are, we are told, mostly doctors, dentists, teachers and other semi-pros?
Just imagine the corner cutting and ignoring of building codes required to complete the construction in such tight time frames, never mind acquiring materials as the supply chains grind to a halt.
I remain, pessimistically yours,
rob83
Just imagine the concrete in those foundations. All sand, no rebar. It’ll be like tofu developments in China.
There is no real difference between the connected criminal fascist scum in the Liberal party, and the criminal fascist scum in the fake-conservative UCP. Both are controlled by the same people – they just wear different colors and represent different pieces of the same agendas like blinders on a horse. One on the left and one on the right…
There would be no housing “crisis” if the puppets we are made to believe that we elect didn’t purposely bring in population-replacing immigrants by the millions, against the will of the people they pretend to represent. They do this fully knowing that they are weakening and impoverishing those already here, while weakening their few remaining rights that remain.
And the various far-left (s)elected city councils do not need to have any pressure applied to them by the feds, because they are all on the same team pushing the same agenda. Although it serves the interests of some of them from an optics perspective to maintain the illusion that they are fighting “for us” against “them” when they are in a conservative region.
“There would be no housing “crisis” if the puppets we are made to believe that we elect didn’t purposely bring in population-replacing immigrants by the millions, against the will of the people they pretend to represent. They do this fully knowing that they are weakening and impoverishing those already here, while weakening their few remaining rights that remain.”
Well said, Watto.
Einstein’s definition of insanity applies: doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result.
Sure turns the concept of representational government on its head.
So faceless bureaucrats in far off Ottawa shall decide the zoning and land use requirements of your home town or city.
So why have local government then?
Or do we now need “Local Militia” to fend of the Federal Thugs?
Pierre P is a career Politician..
A graduate of Political Science Studies..
Whatever Political Science is.
Is that like Social Justice?
Or “Environment Canada’s (Climate) Science”?
But that is another whole conversation.
Stupid and small minded creatures,who truly believe that they are the smartest creatures under creation,feel that it is their duty to “serve us”.
They are going to “help us” even when it impoverishes and kills us..
Cause they know best.
Central government could be tolerated,when they kept to their traditional roles.
Now?
Exterminate!
As for;
“I often wonder if conservative parties are all that different from their opposition.”
If you have not resolved that misconception to your own satisfaction by now,there may not be much hope for you.
The Uni-Party of Canada..here to “help” you.
Red Tie Blue Tie..
Chose carefully..
Funding?! Cut off funding? Tell em to go pound sand we don’t need or want your stinkin funding.
Yours truly,
Alberta
Flat tax of 10% split 50/50 between provincial and federal levels of government. It’s the only way we’ll ever see freedom again in Canada and a non negotiable requirement to be able to generate wealth. Canadians have been fooled into believing that our government drives the economy through spending and it’s simply not the case. By and large productivity and wealth generation comes directly from people putting actual savings into their bank and investment accounts. You can discuss our federal government’s housing policy all you want, but it’s all just jawboning on the Liberals’ turf. In reality the feds have absolutely no business subsidizing and making policies around housing. It’s not even close to a federal responsibility.
Kind of a depressing thread.
Been watching PP, and initially liked the “punish the gatekeepers” stuff. Was wondering in what way that policy might get mucked up. I think this thread answers it.
But PP is the first politician I have seen (outside Max) who seems to talk the economic talk. He quotes Sowell. And the true gatekeepers are the NIMBYists. So… shall we stick with FeminineFascist Trudeau until someone better comes along?
PP does seem a step in the right direction. As does Maxime.
No? Stick with Trudeau?
But it is telling that PP’s new video didn’t even mention immigration.
My balloon is deflated.
It’s because the Cons are no different than the Fibs when it comes to getting, then protecting the minority vote groups, particularly, IMMIGRANTS, and their already extended families living in Canaderp.
There’s too many here now, the horse has left the barn a long time ago. Because no government will allow the Free Market to operate, in housing, to its fullest extent, good and bad, housing prices will now and forever, not be allowed to correct itself, as it has in the past.
Leftist governments have ensured a Feudal Home ownership regime of owners and serfs, and its just going to get worse, as PP falls into line.
“But it is telling that PP’s new video didn’t even mention immigration.
My balloon is deflated.”
Same here. It’s not just what he says…it’s what he doesn’t say that concerns me.
What does he plan to do for Canadian gun owners, for one thing? Will he curtail the residential school industry? What about DEI hiring? Giving puberty blockers to pre-teen children? We already know he is totally onboard with the Quebec dairy cartel exploiting the middle class and the poor for profit.
Modifier.
10% maximum tax on the citizen,accounting for all taxation methods.
Paid directly to your local government.
Left them pay 10% to the Province.
Let the Province pay 10% to the Feds.
If the Feds actually perform.
The Federal and Provincial Governments have proven their fiscal incompetence.
They cannot be trusted.
Proven thieves and bandits.
You could provoke open rebellion in Can Ahh Duh,by making the wage worker personally responsible to remit all taxes,fees and levies..Pay them Wholesale.
Free the employer from being an unpaid tax collector.
Might wake a few NDP supporters up and might encourage a whole lot more employment.
Heh.As a Western Canadian I could say “Stick with Trudy”.
For that will be the fastest way to get ourselves divorced from Confederated Canada.
Electing the PP conservatives will change none of the fundamentals of Canadian Kleptocracy,while doing so will definitely prolong the Wests agony.
More fake hope,”But this time,under these Progressive Conservatives,it will be different”..
Right.
I have nothing in common with people who support our Parasitic Overload.
And I am damned if I will pay the bill for things I never received.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and freedoms,brought to us by the first Trudeau,lauded for decades as guaranteeing our individual rights and freedoms..Is now exposed as a blatant lie.
One that all the chattering class and our Eastern comrades has used to loot and pillage.
All the while calling those of us who pointed at this fraudulent document,as ignorant fools and haters,protected by the Charter..
What of Canada do you want to save?
Why?
It’s important to vote Conservative so they get in and form the next government. It gives you more time to reload.
Exactly – that is what needs to be done, as no other voting options will be enough to get rid of the Liberals.
PP can not say everything yet, as he needs to appeal broadly. We do have lots of communities with differing interests. Axe the tax works for all.
I wish the Conservatives would start the attack on the NDP for keeping the Libs in power for so long. That might change NDP minds and certainly boster conservative support.
“PP can not say everything yet, as he needs to appeal broadly. We do have lots of communities with differing interests. Axe the tax works for all.”
I just wish I could believe him. I don’t. Not after he voted to accuse *all* Canadians of genocide against natives.
Affordable housing, the pig Latin of politics.. Let’s fill up our city with people who can’t afford to live here and expect good things to happen..
My expectation of either the federal gov’t or various provincial governments being able to make housing more affordable is zero.
Housing was much more affordable in the late 70’s and those people buying then would say they’d wished they could have purchased in the 60’s.
What happened? All levels of government have grown exponentially, with rising costs to pay for an ever growing civil service of overseers. Perhaps if gov’t in all of Canada was brought back to the levels of gov’t intrusion we had then, there’d be a chance of housing becoming affordable again.
I don’t expect that to happen, and hope the west can separate from the deadweight of eastern Canada so we can impose a smaller civil service, with much smaller gov’t oversight into all aspects of our lives.
Everything the gov’t claims will help, will do more damage. It’s what westerners have grown to know as we see the results from all levels of gov’t “trying to help”
They’re all lying fellators, some more than others. The Conservatives taking a stance on imposing affordable housing via more gov’t regulation is pure idiocy. Just wait… in 10 years when folks look around to ask the federal gov’t, “why are none of the new Canadians working in the trades to help build these houses while the actual tradesmen are retiring at 2X the rate they were in the generation before”? Then they’ll give fake tradesmen fake “Red Seal” certifications to say these new Canadians know what they’re doing. While your new house looks like an 8 year’s old backyard fort built with scrap from Dad’s new garage project.
Pure idiocy, at every sight of gov’t in Canada. F-U Canada.
I agree with what John Robertson said above… “perhaps” even to become a #Librano voting acccelerationist and let the entire works burn down.
Manufactured Kent homes on a permanent foundation should be available all across Canada. I used Kent of NB as just one of the companies that can manufacture and tow a home to a prepared site. Unfortunately municipalities cannot tax them at the same level they do million dollar bungalows, therefore you will never see logic applied to the housing situation.
On the prairies its called RTM’s ready to move. Makes way more sense to build at central location, if you aren’t doing the labour.
How about trying a carrot instead of a stick.
Make the first $50,000 in rental income tax free.
Allow existing rents to increase so they reflect local rental market rates.
Allow landlords to evict tenants for any reason, say with 6 months notice, to encourage future investors to build rental properties.