New housing minister says immigration can help address affordability, supply
July 30, 2023
By Global News |
Canada’s new housing and infrastructure minister says closing the door to newcomers is not the solution to the country’s housing woes, and has instead endorsed building more homes to accommodate higher immigration flows.
Sean Fraser, who previously served as immigration minister, was sworn in Wednesday morning as part of a Liberal government cabinet shuffle aimed at showcasing a fresh team ahead of the next federal election.
He comes into the role at a time when strong population growth through immigration is adding pressure to housing demand at a time when the country is struggling with an affordability crisis.
“The answer is, at least in part, to continue to build more stock,” Fraser told reporters after being sworn in.
“But I would urge caution to anyone who believes the answer to our housing challenges is to close the door on newcomers.”