News Summary

Gregor Robertson, former mayor of Vancouver, has been appointed as housing and infrastructure minister in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet. Robertson, known for his prior efforts to address street homelessness in Vancouver, faces a new challenge in dealing with the national housing crisis. Vancouver’s housing costs soared during his tenure, drawing mixed reactions to his new role. Supporters highlight his experience and vision, while critics point to rising real estate prices during his mayoralty. Robertson will lead initiatives to double residential construction rates and provide significant financial support to homebuilders, aiming to construct 500,000 homes annually. His experience and familiarity with British Columbia’s housing strategies are expected to contribute to Carney’s pan-Canadian housing policy.