Canadian provinces show ingenuity in dealing with housing crisis
Let's look at ways to solve the housing problem with three recent examples.
The global housing crisis affecting Canadians no longer looks like an invincible monster. We've already covered the government's response to it, and today we're going to look at what provincial governments can do about it. You don't have to look far for examples — three recent news stories from three different provinces demonstrate the ingenuity of regional governments in dealing with the housing crisis.
Supporting those in need in Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has invested CA$ 3.2 million in affordable social housing. The direct grant will go towards the rehabilitation of 370 existing housing units in the province, which will be completed by December 2023.
This generous investment is part of the government's 10-year National Housing Strategy worth over CA$ 82 million. The program supports the most vulnerable people in the community. On Oct. 3, 20 new housing units opened under its auspices here in Saskatchewan, more specifically in North Battleford: 18 three-bedroom and 2, four-bedroom semi-detached units. The province's attitude toward the strategy was succinctly expressed by Member of the Legislative Assembly Jeremy Cockrill:
"We recognize that safe and affordable housing contributes to the health and well-being of people in our province."
Tax rebates in Prince Edward Island
Authorities in this seaside province are following September's call by Justin Trudeau to announce a tax rebate program for new rental buildings.
The program will provide a full provincial HST rebate (10% harmonized sales tax) on rental housing projects of up to CA$ 35,000 each. The timeline for construction that can take advantage of the generous offer is set broadly: it must begin since September 14 this year, and be completed by the end of 2028. But also those projects that will be completed after the deadline will be able to qualify for the discount, only partially.
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