Quebec Housing Crisis: Myths vs. Reality Unveiled

In an elaborate breakdown of Quebec's housing crisis, reporter Erika Morris challenges the common narrative surrounding housing supply and demand. Over the last 20 years, new home construction has outpaced household growth, yet rents have soared—Montreal alone witnessing a 27% increase. This begs the question: Why? Construction focuses on condos, particularly smaller units, leaving a stark absence of larger, affordable family units and social housing. Morris clarifies that social housing—state-owned and income-based rent—is far more impactful in addressing homelessness and affordability issues than standard affordable housing, which reflects market values and is often out of reach for many households. Furthermore, the impact of high immigration numbers on the existing crisis is debunked—the reality shows that rent escalations predate recent immigration spikes. The introduction of new laws regarding lease transfers and short-term rentals is also examined; while they were initially beneficial, they have led to heightened rents as landlords manipulate the market. With over 16,000 households waiting for social housing in Montreal, the Quebec government is under pressure to prioritize building those units. Ultimately, the complexities of the housing crisis in Quebec resemble a multifaceted puzzle, requiring careful consideration of what to build, whom it serves, and how to tackle systemic barriers.