In a scathing critique of the Trudeau government’s handling of the housing crisis, the Conservative party has Justin Trudeau for failing to address the problem.
Pointing to data released on Tuesday by Statistics Canada, the Conservative communications office highlighted a concerning decline in housing investment, particularly in multi-unit constructions.
According to Statistics Canada’s report, investment in housing saw a staggering 17.9% drop in December, marking the lowest monthly level since October 2020.
The decline, the Conservatives argued, reflects the Liberal government’s inability to effectively tackle the housing crisis.
“As a direct consequence of Liberal inaction, average asking rents for all residential property in Canada reached a record high of $2,178 in December 2023. Justin Trudeau simply isn’t worth the cost,” read a release from the party.
“Trudeau has failed to get the gatekeepers out of the way so enough homes can be built for Canadians struggling to find a place to live.”
Of particular concern is the 31% decrease in investment in multi-unit developments, with Ontario experiencing a significant 45.2% decline in permits for such constructions. The Tories emphasized the crucial role these buildings play in addressing the housing shortage gripping the nation.
“The collapse in multi-unit investment is exacerbating the housing hell that Canadians are currently experiencing,” the Conservative statement said.
Highlighting the broader implications of the housing investment downturn, Poilievre pointed out that the total annual investment in housing fell by 9.7% in 2023.
The party also aimed at the Liberal government’s recent housing announcements and photo-ops, which he argued were incongruous with the stark reality on the ground.
“Trudeau continues to give hundreds of millions of your hard-earned dollars to the gatekeepers who get in the way of housing with red tape and delays.”
