News Summary

The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) has announced its support for Premier Doug Ford’s decision to seek a new mandate from voters on February 27. This support comes as Ontario faces significant challenges, including a potential 25% tariff on Canadian exports to the U.S. and a persistent housing supply crisis. RESCON President Richard Lyall emphasized the need for strong leadership to address these issues, which threaten Ontario’s economic health. During RESCON’s recent AGM, Premier Ford highlighted Canada’s reliance on U.S. energy and minerals, stating the need for cooperation between the two countries rather than imposing tariffs that could result in job losses. On the housing front, Ford mentioned steps taken to promote construction, such as removing the HST on purpose-built rentals and investing in infrastructure. However, he acknowledged that more work is needed to make homes affordable. A coalition of industry stakeholders, including RESCON, is advocating for a 75% reduction in development charges to levels seen in 2015. RESCON’s support underscores the need for a strong provincial mandate to tackle these pressing issues.