Freeland Downplays Report Saying Immigration Increases Would Affect Housing Affordability

The 2022 report warned the federal government that a major increase in immigration could affect housing costs and services.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland speaks during a news conference on the next phase of the government’s economic plan at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, on Nov. 28, 2023. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is downplaying a 2022 government report that said large immigration increases would impact housing affordability and services, arguing that immigrants are a “real driver” of Canada’s economic growth.

“Canada is probably the country in the world, which is the most welcoming of new Canadians,” Ms. Freeland said during a press conference on housing in Toronto Jan 11. “And as finance minister, I have to say, that is a huge economic strength. It is a real driver of our country’s economic growth, and at a time when all of the industrialized countries in the world are facing huge demographic challenges.”