Accelerating new housing construction in Toronto
The federal government is fundamentally transforming how cities and builders create housing in Canada as we take tangible steps to end this housing crisis. On December 21, we reached a landmark deal with the City of Toronto to remove costly and cumbersome housing barriers and fast-track the construction of 12,000 new homes in the next three years and more than 53,000 new units in the next decade.
To achieve this, Toronto’s share of the federal Housing Accelerator Fund will be used to:
- Revitalize Toronto Community Housing buildings and create additional rent-geared-to-income and affordable rental homes.
- Reforms to expedite zoning bylaw approvals, cut red tape, and unlock non-market housing.
- Optimize land use and simplify planning approvals to dramatically boost rental supply in Apartment Neighbourhood Zones.
- Accelerate the building of new permanent, affordable rental and RGI homes near public transit stations.
We need to go beyond business as usual if we are to replenish Canada’s affordable housing and rental-housing stock. That is why our Housing Accelerator Fund requires realistic action plans from cities, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes as well as additional funds upon delivering results.
Helping Canadians Buy First Homes
In January, we reached another milestone in making homeownership more attainable, with over 500,000 Canadians opening a tax-free First Home Savings Account (FHSA). As outlined in Budget 2022, the FHSA allows Canadians to save up to $8,000 annually for their first down payment with a lifetime limit of $40,000. The FHSA remains tax-free when it comes time to buy that home, and buyers can receive an additional $1,500 in federal tax relief through our First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit.
Please contact your financial institution if you would like to open or learn more about the FHSA.
Canada Summer Jobs 2024
Each year, the Canada Summer Jobs program creates hundreds of summer jobs in our community, enabling youth to earn money while they develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workplace. On January 3, I spoke with many local businesses interested in the CSJ program during an information session organized by my office. Thank you to all the businesses who applied – your dedication to providing quality work experiences is crucial in helping our youth reach their fullest potential.
CSJ-funded positions will be posted on JobBank.gc.ca starting in April. Please visit the website for application details or additional information.
Connect with Us
As always, my team and I are happy to hear your thoughts, answer any questions, and assist you with any federal matters. You can always contact my office at 416-283-1414 or Gary.Anand@parl.gc.ca