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'We have to do it right': Canadian government won’t rule out changing immigration targets to address housing challenges, Fraser says | CTV News

'We have to do it right': Canadian government won’t rule out changing immigration targets to address housing challenges, Fraser says

https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/canadian-government-won-t-rule-out-changing-immigration-targets-to-address-housing-challenges-fraser-1.6555446

Canada’s housing minister says the federal government isn’t ruling out changes to its ambitious immigration targets, but maintains the country should also focus on what it can do to increase housing supply when it comes to addressing current housing challenges.

'We have to do it right': Canadian government won’t rule out changing immigration targets to address housing challenges, Fraser says

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“If we were going to shift the way that we operate, to set a target or to align the numbers with the housing capacity, it's a monumental change in the way that Canada does immigration,” Fraser said in an interview on CTV’s Question Period with Vassy Kapelos on Sunday.

“That doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. But it does mean if we're seeking to make a permanent change to the way that Canada's immigration laws operate, we have to do it right.”

Finally. This is a message that needed to happen weeks ago. It's acknowledging the concerns many are having, while remaining even-keeled enough to not look reactive and hasty.

I think this is a good proposal, and renews federal interest in ensuring that housing is taken care of. It'll give an internal motivation for the federal government to push provinces and cities into zoning residential to meet our needs and regulating developers to ensure they are building enough of the right kind of housing. It means if a federal government is interested in high levels of immigration, they also have to ensure there are enough residences to absorb those people. It is win-win for Canadians.

I really hope they carry through with this kind of policy shift.