This story is from February 6, 2024

Canada Extends Ban on Foreign Ownership to Tackle Housing Crisis

Canada addresses housing crisis by extending ban on foreign ownership amid concerns of locals being priced out. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announces a two-year extension, aiming to make housing more affordable. The decision follows a surge in migrants and international students, increasing demand for homes while construction lags behind due to rising costs. Canada also imposes restrictions on international student permits and work permits to alleviate pressure on housing markets.
Canada Extends Ban on Foreign Ownership to Tackle Housing Crisis
Representative Image. (Getty Images)
Canada has responded to concerns over housing affordability by extending the ban on foreign ownership of housing for an additional two years. The decision comes amidst a housing crisis fueled by a surge in migrants and international students, intensifying demand while construction lags behind due to rising costs. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland underscored the government's dedication to leveraging all available tools to ensure affordable housing for Canadians, extending the ban until January 1, 2027.
The housing affordability crisis in Canada has been exacerbated by an influx of migrants and international students, amplifying demand for homes amid a backdrop of soaring costs and sluggish construction activity.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized the government's commitment to addressing this crisis by extending the ban on foreign ownership of Canadian housing until January 1, 2027. This extension aims to prevent houses from becoming speculative financial assets and ensures they remain homes for Canadian families.
By extending the ban on foreign ownership, the Canadian government seeks to prevent residents from being priced out of their local housing markets. Foreign ownership has intensified concerns about housing affordability across various cities and towns nationwide. The government's decision reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding housing accessibility for Canadians amidst mounting challenges.
Canada's move to impose a cap on international student permits and halt the issuance of work permits to some students post-graduation demonstrates a multifaceted strategy to address the housing crisis. The influx of newcomers has further strained housing markets, prompting the government to implement measures aimed at managing population growth and curbing housing costs. These efforts align with broader concerns about the impact of immigration on services like healthcare and education, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions.
The decision to extend the ban on foreign ownership of housing underscores the government's commitment to prioritizing the needs of Canadian residents in the face of a challenging housing market. By taking decisive action to address housing affordability, Canada aims to mitigate the impact of rising costs and housing shortages on its citizens. These measures reflect a proactive approach to managing population growth and ensuring equitable access to housing for all Canadians.

Canada's recent announcement regarding the restriction of international student permits further underscores the government's efforts to address the housing crisis. With a temporary cap on study visas and measures to control population growth, Canada is taking proactive steps to alleviate pressure on housing markets and safeguard the interests of its citizens. These initiatives reflect a comprehensive approach to managing immigration and housing affordability in the country.
(With inputs from agencies)
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About the Author
Sanjay Sharma

Sanjay Sharma is a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in the media industry. Currently serving as Assistant Editor - Education at TimesofIndia.com, he specializes in education-related content, including board results, job notifications, and studying abroad. Since joining TOI in 2006, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the platform’s digital presence and spearheading major education events. Previously, Sanjay held leadership positions in sports journalism, covering high-profile events such as the Cricket World Cup and Olympics. He holds a PG Diploma in Journalism from Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan and is proficient in various content management systems.

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