Ontario Premier Doug Ford has blamed the federal government for the housing crisis in the province, stating that Ottawa’s immigration policies have brought in over 800,000 additional people into Ontario. However, these claims contradict government figures. During a press conference on August 31, Ford expressed his surprise at the number of people being brought into the province, saying that he did not receive any communication from the prime minister regarding this decision.
Ford emphasized that his government is committed to using all available resources to address the housing crisis. He stated that his administration is focused on fulfilling their promises to build homes, improve infrastructure, and provide necessary facilities like schools and hospitals. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously stated that housing is not primarily a federal responsibility, urging the Ontario government to take more action on the issue.
The housing affordability problem has become a significant political concern across Canada. Reports indicate that the average home price in Canada reached $716,000, with Ontario’s benchmark price soaring to $1.08 million. The federal government announced plans to bring in a considerable number of immigrants, leading to concerns over the ability of the housing supply to meet the growing demand. Ford highlighted the crisis faced by individuals unable to afford a home, including asylum seekers and immigrants living in church basements.
The Ontario premier also faced questions about his Housing Minister Steve Clark. Clark came under scrutiny following a report by the auditor general, which claimed that he did not adequately oversee his chief of staff’s actions related to the removal of properties from the Ontario Greenbelt for development. Despite these questions, Ford expressed confidence in Clark and affirmed his commitment to building 1.5 million homes.
When the federal government announced its immigration targets for 2025, Ford expressed both support for the plan and concerns about the lack of available housing for newcomers. In the past, Ford faced criticism for his comments about the types of people who should come to Ontario to address the province’s shortage of workers. However, he defended his stance, asserting that he has always been supportive of immigration and has continually requested more people from the prime minister. He highlighted the support he receives from diverse communities at events like “Ford Fest.”