N.S. experts say election promises on housing need less ambiguity, more consultation
Election promises to make housing more affordable in Nova Scotia have sparked a debate among experts about the effectiveness of the proposed policies. While some believe that the promises made by political parties could help address the affordability crisis, others are skeptical about the lack of consideration for current labour conditions and the vague definitions of affordability.
Catherine Leviten-Reid, an affordable housing researcher and associate professor at Cape Breton University, highlighted the promises made by the NDP and the Liberals as potential solutions to the affordable housing problem in the province. The NDP has pledged to ban corporate landlords from purchasing existing affordable rental properties, while the Liberals have proposed building new supportive housing for vulnerable individuals. The Green Party has also promised to stop corporations from buying single-family homes.
However, Leviten-Reid expressed concerns about the ambiguous definition of affordability used by the main political parties. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, housing is considered affordable when it costs less than 30% of a household’s income before taxes. She praised the Green Party for specifying a definition of affordability tied to income and for promising to ensure publicly funded housing remains affordable in perpetuity.
In addition to increasing supply and speeding up construction of new housing, the parties have proposed various measures to address the housing crisis. The Conservatives aim to eliminate the GST from the purchase of some new homes, while the Liberals have made a similar promise for first-time homebuyers. The NDP plans to build three million new homes by 2030.
Duncan Williams, president of the Construction Association of Nova Scotia, raised concerns about the workforce’s capacity to support the rapid construction of new housing. He emphasized the need for meaningful consultation with the construction industry and suggested that targeted immigration policies could help address the labour shortage in the sector.
Experts agree that more non-market housing, such as non-profit and public housing, is essential to address long-term housing issues in Nova Scotia. The NDP and the Green Party have been praised for their emphasis on building non-market housing, with the NDP setting a target of 20% non-market housing in every neighborhood and the Green Party proposing the “biggest public housing construction program since the 1970s.”
While the promises made by political parties have the potential to transform the housing system in Nova Scotia, there is a need for clarity on ownership and operation of the affordable housing that will be built. The Conservatives have pledged to sell federal buildings and land for market and non-market housing, with a preference for affordable housing.
In conclusion, while the election promises to make housing more affordable in Nova Scotia have generated mixed reviews, experts agree that a comprehensive approach that includes non-market housing and targeted immigration policies is needed to address the affordability crisis effectively. It is essential for the newly elected government to consult with industry stakeholders and prioritize labor needs to ensure the successful implementation of affordable housing policies.
