Protecting the Dream of Homeownership in Ontario: The Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Ontario is among several provinces grappling with soaring home prices, limited new construction, and a widening affordability gap that has pushed homeownership increasingly out of reach—especially for young Canadians. Housing starts are at multi-decade lows and for far too many people the dream of having a piece of Ontario they can call their own is slipping away.This crisis has been further intensified by trade tensions with the United States, which have driven up construction costs and shaken economic confidence. As buyers grow more cautious amid economic uncertainty, the urgency for bold, coordinated action has never been greater.In response, the Government of Ontario is acting to protecting Ontario’s economy and keeping workers on the job by cutting red tape and creating the conditions to get shovels in the ground faster. Though transformative legislation, policy changes, and historic investments, Ontario is laying the foundation to accelerate housing and infrastructure development, streamline municipal processes, and reduce regulatory burdens, all while fostering innovation and collaboration with local leaders and homebuilder alike.On February 17, 2025, The Empire Club of Canada  hosted The Honourable Rob Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, for a keynote speech entitled Protecting the Dream of Homeownership in Ontario to explain what’s next in Ontario’s plan to support families, attract investment, and create good jobs. Working together, we can enhance affordability, ensure timely delivery of critical projects, and foster an innovative and resilient economy for decades to come.The discussion was moderated by Steve Paikin, Host of The Paikin Podcast with an introduction by The Honourable David Peterson, Chairman of Torstar and Former Premier of Ontario.