Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new measures to build affordable housing in Toronto, linking the housing crisis to jobs, public investment, modern construction and cooperation between governments.
Carney said Toronto has not built enough housing for decades, and that the solution is to build more supply faster, using new methods, modern materials and partnerships between the private sector, non-profits and every level of government.
The Canadian government will invest $2.7 billion over three years to support more than 18 housing projects across Toronto, starting with more than 5,600 new rental homes, including more than 1,800 deeply affordable, supportive or rent-controlled homes.
Carney also linked the plan to public land, non-profit housing, low-cost financing, union jobs and sustainable construction, including mass timber, geothermal energy and low-carbon design.
This agenda connects directly with Ursula von der Leyen’s strategy for Europe.
The European Commission has made housing affordability part of its 2024–2029 priorities, responding to rising living costs and housing shortages across Europe.
Von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines call for a first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan and cooperation with the European Investment Bank on a pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing.
The Commission’s housing agenda also aims to increase the supply of affordable, sustainable and quality housing, while mobilising public and private finance and supporting coordinated action across countries, regions and cities.
The connection is clear: Carney’s Toronto plan and von der Leyen’s EU strategy both treat housing not only as a social issue, but as an economic and competitiveness issue.
Affordable homes help workers live near jobs, support cities, reduce inequality and strengthen the industrial base. In Toronto and in Europe, the message is the same: the housing crisis cannot be solved by slogans — it requires investment, faster construction, public land, modern materials and strong partnerships.
#eudebates #MarkCarney #VonDerLeyen #Housing
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced new measures to build affordable housing in Toronto, linking the housing crisis to jobs, public investment, modern construction and cooperation between governments.
Carney said Toronto has not built enough housing for decades, and that the solution is to build more supply faster, using new methods, modern materials and partnerships between the private sector, non-profits and every level of government.
The Canadian government will invest $2.7 billion over three years to support more than 18 housing projects across Toronto, starting with more than 5,600 new rental homes, including more than 1,800 deeply affordable, supportive or rent-controlled homes.
Carney also linked the plan to public land, non-profit housing, low-cost financing, union jobs and sustainable construction, including mass timber, geothermal energy and low-carbon design.
This agenda connects directly with Ursula von der Leyen’s strategy for Europe.
The European Commission has made housing affordability part of its 2024–2029 priorities, responding to rising living costs and housing shortages across Europe.
Von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines call for a first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan and cooperation with the European Investment Bank on a pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing.
The Commission’s housing agenda also aims to increase the supply of affordable, sustainable and quality housing, while mobilising public and private finance and supporting coordinated action across countries, regions and cities.
The connection is clear: Carney’s Toronto plan and von der Leyen’s EU strategy both treat housing not only as a social issue, but as an economic and competitiveness issue.
Affordable homes help workers live near jobs, support cities, reduce inequality and strengthen the industrial base. In Toronto and in Europe, the message is the same: the housing crisis cannot be solved by slogans — it requires investment, faster construction, public land, modern materials and strong partnerships.
#eudebates #MarkCarney #VonDerLeyen #Housing
