TRREB welcomes the federal government’s Spring Economic Update which continues the government’s focus on housing supply and affordability. The measures signal meaningful progress on long-standing priorities shared by homebuyers across the Greater Toronto Area and Simcoe County.
Several initiatives align with TRREB and CREA advocacy goals, including increased flexibility in mortgage insurance to support missing-middle housing, steps toward modernizing building regulations and factory-built housing, improved housing data collection, and a stronger skilled trades strategy. These positive steps can help boost supply and improve market efficiency.
That said, the federal government must take further action, particularly to support attainable homeownership. TRREB looks forward to participating in upcoming consultations on financing tools and policies that will help more Canadians enter the housing market.
Key proposals in the update include:
- Expanding mortgage insurance options for multi-unit and missing-middle housing;
- Investments to streamline modern methods of construction and building innovation;
- Accelerating rental housing development through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP); and
- Extending the grace period for money withdrawn under the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) from two years to five years for withdrawals made between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2028, aligning with the extension previously made for those withdrawing between 2022 and 2025.
Together, these measures can help address supply challenges, but they must be paired with clear, coordinated implementation.
Looking ahead, TRREB and CREA encourage the federal government to establish a more integrated housing framework, including clear roles for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Build Canada Homes, and to work with all levels of government on a renewed federal national housing strategy. Restoring a realistic path to homeownership must remain a critical objective.
TRREB remains committed to working collaboratively with policymakers to advance practical solutions that expand housing choice and improve affordability for residents across the region.
Access the federal Spring Economic Update (SEU) for complete details.