*Last Updated April 1st 2025

As we approach the 2025 federal election, housing affordability and supply remain key issues for Canadians. With demand outpacing supply in many markets, homebuyers, sellers, and investors are looking to political leaders for solutions. Each major party has put forward policies aimed at addressing housing challenges, and as a real estate professional, I want to break them down in a straightforward, unbiased way.

Liberal Party of Canada

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Liberals' Canada’s Housing Action Plan focuses on increasing supply and affordability by:

• Doubling home construction with 500,000 homes a year. Using the model similar to that after WWII with affordable, modular and efficient homes. 

• Cutting red tape to speed up home construction and repurposing federal lands for housing. (New Policy)

• Developing a Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights to increase transparency in the purchasing process. (New Policy)

• Removing the GST from new rental housing projects to encourage development. (Continued Policy)

• Supporting first-time homebuyers with a Tax-Free First-Home Savings Account and a doubled First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit. (Continued Policy)

• Introducing a two-year ban on foreign home purchases and an anti-flipping tax on properties sold within 12 months. (Continued Policy)

• [Source: Liberal Party of Canada](https://liberal.ca)

Conservative Party of Canada

Led by Pierre Poilievre, the Conservatives emphasize increasing housing supply through:

• Incentivizing municipalities to boost homebuilding by 15% annually or risk losing federal funding.

• Selling 15% of federal buildings to be repurposed as housing.

• Eliminating the GST on new homes priced under $1 million.

• Introducing longer mortgage terms (seven to ten years) and reviewing mortgage stress tests to ease affordability.

• Maintaining a two-year foreign buyer ban.

• [Source: Conservative Party of Canada](https://conservative.ca)

New Democratic Party (NDP)

Under Jagmeet Singh, the NDP’s approach centers on affordability and renter protections, including:

• Implementing a 20% tax on home sales to non-Canadian citizens and non-permanent residents to curb speculation.

• Doubling the Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to help with closing costs.

• Reintroducing 30-year mortgage terms for CMHC-insured entry-level homes to lower monthly payments.

• Waiving the federal GST/HST on new affordable rental units.

• Building 500,000 affordable housing units over ten years, with half completed within five years.

• [Source: New Democratic Party of Canada](https://ndp.ca)

Green Party of Canada

Under co-leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, the Greens propose structural changes to prioritize affordable and sustainable housing by:

• Refocusing CMHC on affordable, non-market, and cooperative housing solutions.

• Restoring tax incentives for purpose-built rental housing and encouraging community land trusts.

• Launching a Canada Co-op Housing Strategy with CMHC.

• Increasing funding for new builds and rental assistance.

• Creating a dedicated Minister of Housing to tailor national strategies to local needs.

• [Source: Green Party of Canada](https://greenparty.ca)

What This Means for Homebuyers and Sellers

Regardless of the election outcome, housing policy will continue to evolve. Buyers may see shifts in affordability programs, incentives, and mortgage regulations, while sellers should stay informed about market trends driven by new supply and demand policies. Investors should pay close attention to tax changes and foreign ownership rules.

As always, real estate is local, and national policies often play out differently across provinces and cities. If you have questions about how these potential changes could impact you, feel free to reach out!

Get out and vote!

ReMax just revealed their brand-new logo for 2025 at their R4 convention in Las Vegas! The update is all about making Our branding more modern and digital-friendly, so it looks better online and on social media.

The new logo has been getting mixed reactions online. Some people really like the new design, while others are giving it quite a bit of slack. Many fans of the old logo feel that it had a more timeless appeal, while supporters of the change appreciate the modern and sleek approach.

The new design is meant to keep ReMax up-to-date in the new digital world. You’ll start seeing the new logo everywhere, on signs, marketing materials, and all over the internet.

So, what do you think? Do you like the new ReMax look, or do you prefer the old one? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

If you haven’t made consent small talk about the snow lately, you probably don’t live in our market. It’s been a long time since we have seen a winter like this, and although I enjoy the snow, shovelling these large banks is getting tiring. If you’ve ever noticed a thick ridge of ice forming along the edge of your roof, you may be dealing with an ice dam. These formations can cause serious damage to your home if not addressed properly. Let’s break down what ice dams are, why they form, and how you can prevent them from wreaking havoc on your property.

An ice dam is a buildup of ice that forms along the edges of a roof, preventing melting snow from properly draining off. When warm air escapes into the attic, it causes snow on the roof to melt. As the water reaches the colder edges of the roof, it refreezes, creating a barrier. Over time, this dam can trap more water behind it, leading to leaks, structural damage, and even mold growth inside your home.

Signs of Ice Damming

• Large icicles hanging from the roofline

• Water stains on interior walls or ceilings

• Ice buildup in gutters and downspouts

• Warped or sagging roof edges

Ice dams might look harmless, but they can lead to significant damage, including:

• Roof Leaks: Water pooling behind the ice dam can seep under shingles, leading to costly roof repairs.

• Insulation Damage: Once water enters your home, it can soak attic insulation, reducing its effectiveness and increasing energy costs.

• Mold and Mildew Growth: Moisture buildup can create the perfect environment for mold, which can pose health risks for your family.

• Structural Issues: Repeated ice damming can weaken roofing materials, ceilings, and walls over time.

The good news? Ice dams are preventable! Here are a few key steps you can take:

1. Improve Attic Insulation & Ventilation: Ensuring your attic stays cold prevents uneven melting of snow on your roof.

2. Seal Air Leaks: Close any gaps around vents, chimneys, and light fixtures to prevent warm air from escaping into the attic.

3. Clean Your Gutters: Clogged gutters prevent proper drainage, making ice dams more likely to form.

4. Use a Roof Rake: After heavy snowfall, carefully remove excess snow from the edges of your roof.

5. Consider Heat Cables: In problem areas, heated cables can be installed to prevent ice formation.

If you notice an ice dam forming, act quickly:

• Use a roof rake to remove excess snow (but do so safely!).

• Apply calcium chloride (NOT rock salt) to help melt the ice.

• If you’re dealing with leaks or significant buildup, call a professional to assess and fix the issue.

As a homeowner, staying ahead of winter-related maintenance can save you from costly repairs down the road. Ice dams are a serious concern, but with the right preventive measures, you can keep your home safe, dry, and damage-free all winter long. If you’re considering buying or selling a home this season, our team is here to help. We can provide guidance on winter home maintenance and ensure you’re making a well-informed decision. Reach out today—we’d love to chat!

Our next provincial election is coming up, and while voting might not be everyone s priorities, it’s one of the most important ways to have a say in the future of the province. The provincial government makes decisions that affect daily life, from healthcare and education to transportation and one of the biggest concerns right now, housing.

What Does the Provincial Government Do? 

Unlike municipal governments, the provincial government is responsible for a lot of things that impact us directly. They make decisions about things like healthcare, education, public transportation, highways, energy, housing policies and affordability 

Housing is a major issue for many people right now, whether they’re trying to buy their first home, rent an apartment, or even just keep up with inflation.

Housing Is Mostly a Provincial Issue 

Many people assume housing policies are a federal responsibility, but the provincial government plays the biggest role in shaping the housing market. They decide on policies that affect what can be built and where, how much landlords can increase rent and what protections renters have, programs to help first-time buyers, land transfer taxes and foreign buyer taxes. 

The choices made by the next provincial government could impact housing affordability and availability for years to come.

Your Vote Makes a Difference 

If you care about housing, affordability, or any other issue that affects your daily life, voting is a great way to have your voice heard. Elections are decided by the people who show up, and your vote helps shape what will happen for years to come.

Paris is growing fast, and now, two brand-new schools are coming to town. This is good news for students and families because it means more space, better facilities, and new classrooms to learn in. The provincial government is investing millions to build these schools and help with crowded classrooms.

One of the schools coming to Paris is a new Catholic elementary school and the other, a new public elementary school. They’ll have cool learning spaces, big gymnasiums, and outdoor areas for students to enjoy. Plus, they are saying both schools will have childcare centres, which is super helpful for parents who need a safe place for their kids while they work.

The Ontario government is putting $51 million into these schools as part of a bigger plan to build and improve schools all over the province. This investment will create over 1,000 new spots for students and more than 100 licensed childcare spots in Paris.

For students and families, this is a game changer. More space means less crowded classrooms, better learning experiences, and brand-new facilities. Paris is growing, and these schools will help make sure kids have everything they need to succeed.