Close Reading

It's genuinely exhausting to watch even so-called progressive outlets like the guardian foment fear and anger against migrants and refugees rather than someone, anyone, possibly questioning whether the incentives for property developers and landlords might, in-fact, be a potential factor in the ongoing housing crisis. But sure, it must be immigration to blame for the exact same housing crisis happening across Canada, Australia, the US, the UK and half of Europe, must be just that one simple factor and definitely not any other systemic or economic factors which might underlie how housing, governance, and migration are linked. \n\nBecause all of those countries certainly have one thing in common, and you're all correct, they all have identical immigration policies, right? Right? Couldn't be the hyper-commodification of housing and development rights stoked under the neo-liberal systems of governance which ACTUALLY forms a shared commonality between these countries. But that would be hard to think about, best just to blame the immigrants, makes life easy breezy. Can't see any problems down the line with that line of thought, right Britain? We'll just keep doing race riots every decade then, instead of actually trying to agitate against any of the problems at the heart of this issue. Solved. Too easy.

I’m in Vancouver at the mo, been here for several months over the past year (from London, UK) … I don’t think this is much of a problem (check the size of the ‘crowd’ at the beginning) in reality, just blown up by the usual handful of RW windbags … it’s diverse and friendly here … sure they need to build more houses … just do it, this is Canada ffs, not the uk … population density in Canada overall is about 4 persons per sq km, in the UK it’s around 280 … and I don’t think that the UK is even full, in reality. Governments need to stop pandering to the landlord class (of which too many politicians are a part and profit from the status quo)

This situation mirrors Melbourne, Australia.\nThe government is planning to bring in an influx of immigrants and at present we have a huge housing shortage.\nNo plan in place so many people will arrive into a difficult situation.\nIt’s driving up housing costs and driving down wages as immigrants work for lower wages.\nGradually our identity and way of life as Australians is being eroded as Melbourne is being inundated by Indians.\nIt’s unnecessary but it seems like the government has agreements in place to take people that we simply have no place or need for.\nWe feel your frustration and anger, Canada.

I go to a big college here in Toronto not naming names but almost all the students are international students and when we have special events at school no food is left for others due to the number of students that their is. I think schools make a big profit of international students along with the government so they live 10 in a house.

Exact same issue in Australia. High immigration levels despite the ongoing housing crisis and cost of living crisis. Local people are living in cars and tents, but the government wants to bring in millions more foreign immigrants. It doesn't make sense and it's not racist to say so.

Most people realize this has nothing to do with a persons race. Its population size. When you increase population size drastically it effects infrasture when government dont invest x amount of dollars into system. You have to plan. Look at our housing market. SUPPLY AND DEMAND ISSUES. When you increase population size and there's not enough homes to house people that only increases the costs. Whats going on is suicide to alot of people. Also media does not want to report why Liberal government has 4x increased immigration in a yr span compared to 1x. Also why is there racial preference for India? The amount of immigration coming in from India is much higher then other races. I'm curious about that.

With an aging population, immigrants are mandatory. With a lack of government housing, we’re seeing inevitable homelessness.

Most Canadians are tolerant to immigration. However, we are fed up with the large number of immigrants the Federal government keeps bringing in. We have a massive housing shortage and they still increase immigration despite the shortage. The Federal Liberals believe housing speculators are the problem, so they put in a vacant home tax to prevent it, but how do you enforce this?\nThe real solution is to roll back immigration to 250,000 new Canadians a year until the housing shortage is somewhat taken care of.

Uncle Mr. RightWhite is back, offering lessons for those who might need a bit of enlightenment. Certainly, the immigration system can be problematic, largely because our government, composed of less-than-astute individuals, fails to put forth a comprehensive roadmap when planning to increase the number of immigrants (consider housing, healthcare, infrastructure, etc.). This is why Uncle Mr. RightWhite always says: don't be lazy and vote wisely. Use your brains so you don't end up whining on social media.\nTo our new immigrants: Of course, you're welcome to come to Canada, legally, as most do. But it's crucial to learn about the local culture, language, and customs. And please, do take the time to learn about First Nation culture—it’s vital for every newcomer and even those of us who have been here for generations.\nAs for the increasing numbers of nonwhites in Brampton—well, yes, that’s happening. But did anyone forcibly remove you from Brampton? You chose to live among those who share your background, and they did the same. So, what's the fuss about?\nSo, you're saying that a 69.8% majority is under threat? Really, give your brain a good shake. If that's a concern, have more children to increase your numbers—no one's stopping you. Now, if you’re worried about Brampton being full of South Asians, and you feel they don't like you or don't assimilate, well, let's have a laugh. Did we assimilate with our vibrant, beautiful First Nation communities? language? culture?Imagine how they felt when Europeans took everything from them. Stop putting your failures on others. Individuals who are high achievers dive into competition and put in the hard work. Conversely, those who are indolent merely whine on social media. education - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Canada

Lol yeah lets blame government lack of capability to balance the budget and allow enough housing to be built on the weakest sectors of society, immigrants.\nLower beaurocratic barriers created by governments and we will have more than enough housing!

I think the real reason are:\n\n1. Refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria and Asylum seekers from Africa.\n2. Foreign investment in housing was allowed until 2022 which played a major part in prices going up.\n3. 1+ Million International students allowed in 3 years.\n4. Average Canadian doesn't want to work a minimum wage job, especially now working with foreign people.\n\nBlaming one government, country or race wont help. That is just jealousy towards most common looking immigrant, which are South Asians.

Housing crisis everywhere, but governments rely on private development, who benefit from the lack of supply. Do the math

The West generally should have prioritized low-income housing in the cities. Housing and food are basic needs for all humans. In Asia, there was the priority of all governments. The second is education for young people.

#1 Yes, Canada needs more people but the government should be encouraging Canadians to have many babies (maybe tax breaks for having kids, but I'm not sure about this)\n#2 Remove all restrictions on house building, Build many houses\n#3 When you bring in immigrants focus on high skill immigrants not low skill. This takes away jobs from low educated Canadians.

The problem with some of the immigration is that some forget the values and ethics! Something simple is like waiting in a que or driving on the road.\n\nThis idea of Canada dream is a false dream cannot start a family or buy a house.\n\nI’m saying that - Canada is land of opportunity, if inflation was a lot lower and salaries were not living hand to mouth. People’s quality of life would improve and people would be happier which would result in playing staying in Canada and helping the country grow.\n\nWhat is failing Canada is excuses blaming 1980 1990 is poor we in 2024 country has had 24 years to move forward. With Justin pushing for immigration so hard, housing should have been kept on par with it. This is a government fail. Sooner or later water and hydro will feel the pitch of the population and then Canada will fall from 1st world to 3rd world and people will be looking back not knowing how they got here so quickly.

The seems are starting to burst, just look at Britain. \n\nThere’s no such thing as a real Canadian as the country was built by various races. If you have a Canadian passport you’re Canadian that’s it.\n\nThe issue lies in continuing to bring in large amount of people with no skills the country needs. The infrastructure is starting to buckle because of that. \n\nAt the very least they should consider shutting down immigration in the large cities to provide labor to smaller towns.\n\nAnother problem is letting foreigners buy properties in Canada who from countries that don’t allow Canadians to buy,\nfor example China. The government shouldn’t allow a Chinese who’s non Canadian buy a house here if we ourselves can’t buy property over there.

This could be a story about Australia where exactly the same thing has been done by our government, the housing market is broken and the large numbers of so called skilled migrants end up driving Ubers or trucks. Large scale rorting of the visa system by international students has been occurring for over a decade.

As an Australian watching this putting the cause of housing affordability and homelessness on immigration is BS. Our country has a major housing crisis and homelessness situation and lack in housing and governments not investing in development is key. If there is further truth to Diana McNally saying the housing development sector in Canada is privatised, that's where one of your issues lies.\n\nMy bottom line: if you think immigration is the cause of lack in housing affordability, go try living in the country those immigrants came from. They have reason to move.

The government told people that there is a housing shortage AND let in a record number of new people. How are people supposed to react? Imagine if there was a famine and the leader said “hey, let’s go share our food with somebody else”. You can’t reasonably expect people not to react this way given the narrative that the government itself is putting forth.

The Liberals haven’t worked hard enough to solve the problem and Trudeau himself said housing isn’t the Federal Government’s responsibility when it is, not only is it a Federal issue but it’s an issue at all levels of government. Liberals are more interested in the economy, rather than the quality of life for its citizens. Canada is no longer a dream country where immigrants will thrive. It’s only the generational wealthy, real estate developers and foreign investors who thrive.

The banks lobby the government to bring in more people while housing skyrockets pushing out 7+ gen Canadians and our communities within cities get overrun with Indians/Chinese as we continue to lose our British and French heritage in these areas.

It's a false statement saying there's not enough housing, considering the fact that there is more unoccupied housing in Toronto then unhoused people living in the street. Why? Because of predatorial housing capitalists corporations flipping condos left and right with only their profits in mind. \n\nIt's always been this over and over, nothing new on the horizon. Our bourgeois government creates a crisis, the far-right uses the immigrants as a scapegoat and then guilible working class victims of this crisis looking for a solution fall for their racist rhetoric.\n\nWe do not lack housing, we lack AFFORDABLE housing!\n\nImmigrants are NOT your enemies, the rich capitalists who created this crisis are!

Government should build more housing like Singapore. Instead they take “donations” from private developers. They should also make sure immigrants have the means to survive in Canada before granting any permits.

It's not only affecting housing, it overburdens our health care system and the job market as well. Thanks to the Trudeau government who once again makes incompetent decisions with zero foresight that harms all of us.

Everyone's hyperfocused on the migrants and not the rent-seeking, unproductive landlords making BANK off the status quo. \n\nWhen ur gpd is tied to rent and house prices going up this is the result... When simply owning a piece of land makes you more money than working, this is the result. \n\nMigrants don't run your government, immigration isn't charity, it's a gift to the elites, just more meat for the grinder. Nothing will change until the incentive structure is changed and you realise who's really stealing your country.

The federal government failed on immigration. They correctly identified the demographic needs but ignored everything else. There was already not enough housing nationally and then the government added millions of more people also needing housing. Then it also seems that a high percentage of immigrants have been priotorized incorrectly many having little education or needed skill sets.

Immigration reform is one thing, but I don’t see people or the government actively improving the infrastructure or the housing issue. Finland and Singapore have all but solved homelessness but focusing on housing and social programs.

Why did we keep quiet for the past 2 decades when our government was not increasing incomes, didn't focus on housing supply especially cheaper apartments, but banks and politicians together put 4 times more burden on us when it comes to monthly mortgages or rents and groceries, now suddenly we call immigrants as the problem for everything. How will Canada impress the world if it targets the weakest people in Canada rather than working on the core issues, the poor refugees and immigrants who were welcome with open arms can never influence the powerful think about it dear Canadians ?

The Liberal government knowingly allowed this to happen. Low supply of housing and huge demand because of failed immigration policies

No standards in terms of who we bring into the country, it's mostly people who are here to exploit the system or don't contribute in any way. It's just the government doing this unchecked and banks and others lobbying for it because it's just untapped source of victims they can exploit as well. Then there just isn't enough housing available, that's no secret. So for people like this Daniel Bernhard guy to say it isn't the massive influx of people causing any issues is incredibly disingenuous. \nIf you increase immigration, be more selective and not all from the same country. There needs to be more control over the entire immigration system so it doesn't spiral out of control and now everyone is suffering, not just those coming to this country.

Chinese Mainlanders are buying up properties as investment in Canada with corrupted money from runaway business profit and not pay their own employees in China. Canadian government ignores the influx of international illegal funds from destroy the housing sector due to greed.

Finally a report that calls it the way it is. Canada is broken, all the services our tax dollars support are redirected to the new Canadians. There are no services available to me, after paying taxes for more then 40 years. Housing, rentals are outrageously priced, what once cost $800 a month a few years ago, is now $1,500 for the exact same unit. \n\nThe Canadians that built this country with their tax contributions are being shut out of all the services and we can't afford to live in our own country. Even immigrants don't want to live here anymore. Canada is broken!\n\nthere are a lot of reports that show immigrants using foodbanks like a grocery store. Food banks are not grocery stores, they are there to help people who are not able to buy food. Foreign students are expected to be able to support themselves while in Canada as foreign students. They lie about having the money to get in, then when they get here they complain, take our housing, our jobs (Ukrainians can work in Canada as soon as their plane lands, after receiving $3,000 in cash from the government of Canada).\n\nCanadians are treated as second class citizens, priority is given to new Canadians. There are absolutely no services available to me, no doctor, no affordable housing, double the price for food, no medical, nothing....

Canadians are expected to suffer quietly with unaffordable housing and wages, while new immigrants are given all sorts of opportunities and financial assistance that we as Canadians aren’t given! A government is expected to care about its own citizens 1st, not last and it’s not wrong to expect that from our government! Shame on Trudeau and his failures and shame on him for attacking Canadians who are suffering from MASS MIGRATION!

What a contrast. The USA has an illegal migrant issue, and Canada has legal immigrant issues. Unlike the USA, where people are pouring into the country illegally, Canada has created its own problems by importing a lot more people legally than it can afford to accommodate in terms of housing and jobs. Canada could have done a much better job managing the influx of immigrants and international students.\n\nThe Canadian government, colleges, landlords, and business owners are the winners. The government and colleges collect billions in taxes and fees, and landlords collect millions through inflated rent. Business owners get a lot of cheap labor and sell those LMIs for $50k—$60k each.\n\nThe losers are Canadian citizens. Whose quality of life and livelihoods are in jeopardy.

Canada used to have a fairly sane immigration policy - immigrants needed to have a level of education and/or skills that would contribute to areas of Canada's economy and growth - skills or education in fields where there was need for people. Part of the problem now is that so many people are allowed in as refugees, with no usable or useful skills. Another part of the problem is that Canada does not have the infrastructure to accommodate so many more people - we should first build the infrastructure, then allow just the number of people we can house and employ. Another policy should be that our local and provincial governments should have decision making authority where immigrants settle. Huge influxes of people into already crowded urban centers makes no sense - immigrants need to be told what areas of Canada they may go to.\n\nNo culture or group can maintain identity and stability if overwhelmed by large numbers of outsiders. We should limit immigration to the number of foreign cultures and languages that can be successfully integrated into our society.

Follow the money, who is benefiting from unsustainable immigration policies, housing shortages? Who is advocating for more of it?? I see people commenting about lack of Planning by government, hate to burst your bubbles.. it's going as planned.

Well, Canada has a wonderfully diverse culture of people from all around the world. Canada is a desirable place to live. Immigration targets = housing targets for government.

Most Canadians despite what you here are pro immigration. It's just that this government has prioritized 1 thing and 1 thing ONLY. NUMBERS NUMBERS NUMBERS. We just bring people here for the sake of adding to a total and gave 0 thought about it's affect on the economy, job markets, housing, culture, crime etc.

It's multifaceted. Liberals opened up the flood gates with policies making it very easy for people to immigrate to Canada and increased immigration numbers. It's no longer tied to what Canada can support based on services, resources, and housing. It's simply: Come on in. Second, I've watched a few videos on Youtube showing how immigration is almost a form of trafficking at this point. Immigration companies are making money hand over fist promising the moon to students and people who want a better life and when these poor people get here they end up in crowded lodging with horrible job prospects. A lot of this goes back to the government laxing immigration policies and not being firm on how much we can bring in. This tsunami of immigration has impacted health services, governmental services, and the lives of Canadians. We need to do this smart or not at all. It's frustrating and the frustration needs to be put where it's due, on government and policy but it's also impacting the people and community around us. :( It really isn't the Canada of 10 years ago.

There is no sense in building housing people can’t afford. Now the federal government is looking to tax your primary residence as well?

The government is responsible for the lack of supply and the increase in demand for housing. The private sector condo market just sold multiple units to foreign buyers paid for with laundered money.

The government is importing 1.2 million people per year into a country that was quite recently 38 million people, which is a ludicrous rate, and it is the highest in the world. It has driven housing up 500% over 20 years and is completely replacing the existing population. It is the malicious, intentional, total destruction of the country as it once was.

For decades, the real estate developers have argued that there’s not enough supply of housing. There is not enough supply. But why and what kind of supply do we need? Recently the mayor of Burnaby pointed out that he grew up in a co-op. I also live in a co-op, the federal government stop building these in the 1980s. The mayors argument was that the number of co-ops kept prices down and provided affordable, and very excellent housing. There’s something to this. None of the solutions the government has offered have done anything but make real estate, developers and foreign investors, and also domestic investors richer.what is needed is a massive co-op building program that starts tomorrow. Something in the trillion dollar range. This will provide excellent housing for all kinds of levels of income. But it won’t make developers really rich, or real estate investors.

In a country where couple of hundreds of thousands of jobs are created annually but government brings millions of immigrants there’s gonna be a problem , the root cause of out of control housing prices and inflation is out of control immigration,

As an immigrant who moved to Canada twenty four years ago, I do support immigration, however, the recent unplanned open immigration policy adapted by the Liberal government has made it challenging to new comers as well as has played it's role in housing crisis. It's the Liberal government's short sights that has resulted the crisis in a high unemployment and inflation rate.

The woman at 7:34 is spot on. Instead of asking the government to make housing more accessible and affordable, people tend to blame immigrants who have nothing to do with housing prices. The government chose to support megacorporations in the private sector to lug their weight around and buy up housing like gluttonous beasts. CANADIAN Megacorps like all megacorps will always act in their best interest which is profit. Therefore canadians airing out racism against random immigrants who have nothing to do with housing is missing the point entirely.

Blaming immigrants for every single problem a nation faces has been a racist trope since the early 20th century. It’s an easy scapegoat that ignores the underlying issues. You don’t have affordable housing because your government favors a speculative for profit housing market that does not prioritize affordability. Immigrants have nothing to do with that

Western governments are to blame not the immigrants not building houses or upgrading infrastructure. While artificially creating higher gdp

We need some amount of immigration. But most people are feeling the pinch in terms of cost of living and housing. So they've soured to the idea of more people right at a time when the government sharply increased the numbers of immigrants being admitted. Add a little right wing populism and you've got a recipe for pushback unfortunately.

This isn’t totally accurate, and comparing Canada to the US is like comparing apples to oranges, a more apt comparison would be Canada and Australia (similar government structure, similar population, similar economy) unlike the us that has 8x our population and is the richest country in the world lol. \n\nThat being said the problems with the Canadian economy are pretty straightforward imo, for housing it’s simple, the Canadian government has invested heavily into the real estate market with things like the Canada pension plan being largely invested into the CPP. There is also a huge amount of people who have banked their retirement on the value of their home, for the most part these are blue collar workers. These two things combined have created a huge problem for the government, it basically has to choose between fixing the worsening housing crisis and in the process wipe out the savings and retirement accounts of millions of Canadians or let the problem get worse and worse until something boils over. This problem is also being compounded by the increasing number of international students being misled into coming here, they are being promised world class education but are receiving bogus diplomas from what are essentially sham colleges (thanks Ford). \n\nWhen looking at the competition in the country it’s a more complicated problem than people like to admit, in order to not become a client state of the US we have to place stronger protections on our industries and media, this insures that Canadian money stays within the Canadian market but has the drawback of discouraging competition. Now if you ask me the solution to this is to nationalize large industries that are being controlled by large oligopolies who unnecessarily manipulate the price of goods like Bell, Rogers, Loblaws, air Canada, petrol Canada, etc. By taking control of these industries the government could have better control of the price of goods and should result in better prices for consumers in turn we’re leaving some of the pressure placed on us by the cost of living crisis. This worked wonders for alcohol which in Ontario brings in 1.5 billion in revenue for the government each year, imagine how much internet, electricity, phone service and produce could bring in.