Canada’s new housing and infrastructure minister, Sean Fraser, believes that closing the door to newcomers is not the solution to the country’s housing crisis. Instead, he advocates for building more homes to accommodate higher immigration levels. Fraser was sworn in as part of a cabinet shuffle aimed at showcasing a fresh team ahead of the next federal election. As population growth through immigration adds pressure to housing demand, Fraser emphasizes the need to continue building more housing stock and rejects the idea of closing the door on newcomers. He acknowledges that immigration is part of the solution to the housing challenge, as developers face obstacles in completing housing projects due to a lack of access to the labor force. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to appoint Fraser to the housing file has been praised, as the Liberal government needs a strong communicator to address the affordability crisis. The housing file has been merged with infrastructure and communities to encourage cities and communities to build more housing where infrastructure is already available or planned. The choice to shift Fraser from immigration to housing demonstrates an understanding that the two files are connected, as losing the argument on housing could impact immigration policies and the effectiveness of the government’s economic strategy. Canadian population growth, driven by immigration, is increasing pressure on housing demand and driving prices even higher. The Conservatives have criticized the government for the state of the housing market and focused on the need to build more homes. Fraser acknowledges that housing affordability is a major challenge for younger Canadians and low-income families, and emphasizes the importance of advancing measures that help build more housing stock and offer protections for vulnerable renters. The housing crisis is now affecting all areas of the country, and experts warn that an additional 3.5 million homes need to be built by 2030 to restore affordability. The decision to combine housing and infrastructure is seen as a positive move, recognizing that housing is essential for the functioning of society. Fraser’s experience as immigration minister may also inform his approach to the housing file.
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