The federal government’s new budget was approved this week, and while it touches many important national priorities, we’re looking at it through a specific lens at Toboggan Flats:
What’s missing
Housing for young people.
This budget places strong emphasis on economic growth and competitiveness. But if young people are expected to help fuel that future, then the plan needs to reflect their reality too.
Young workers can’t contribute fully to our cities if they’re priced out of them. A modern housing strategy should support the very people spending their careers building Canada’s next chapter.
Right now, that piece still feels absent.
| Here’s what we would do. |
| ✔️ A housing young Canadians strategy If young people are expected to drive Canada’s future workforce and tax base, their ability to live near jobs and opportunity must be treated as economic infrastructure, not an afterthought. Housing that reflects youth realities supports stronger labour participation, talent retention, and long-term growth. ✔️ A plan for converting vacant federal government office buildings to housing. Targeted grants, tax relief, and planning flexibility can unlock vacant office space and convert it into housing faster than traditional build timelines. ✔️ Recognition of youthful housing modelsColiving, micro-units, student and cooperative housing increase supply, reduce sprawl, and match how young people already live, making cities more efficient and more accessible. |
| Building blocks |
| Here are the parts of the budget we found most relevant the future of young worker housing in Canadian cities: 💰 Housing & infrastructure C$13 billion over five years dedicated to Build Canada Homes, the federal non-market housing initiative. A broader shift toward long-term capital investment that totals roughly C$1 trillion over five years across housing, infrastructure and economic development. Major infrastructure spending, including the C$51 billion Build Communities Strong Fund, focused on transportation, community hubs, and retrofits. 📈 Economic growth & innovation Support for clean energy, tech jobs and innovation ecosystems as part of that national C$1 trillion investment strategy. New measures designed to accelerate job creation and keep Canada competitive in a global economy. 🌍 Climate & sustainability Expanded funding for green technology and climate adaptation across sectors. Investments designed to help communities transition to low-carbon infrastructure. 🧡 Affordability measures Additional cost-of-living supports tied to federal benefits and programs. Net new spending for this fiscal year is C$20.1 billion, with targeted affordability programs making up part of that package. The scale of investment in this budget is notable across housing, infrastructure, and climate. While these commitments point toward positive movement, the budget stops short of addressing some of the most immediate and specific challenges facing young people in Canadian cities. |
