‘There’s a real need for it out here’: Trudeau in Winnipeg to talk affordable housing

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he’ll be in Winnipeg Thursday to meet with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and make an announcement about affordable housing.

Trudeau’s visit comes a day after the federal government has hinted at what will be presented in its upcoming budget, announcing $15 billion for an apartment construction loan program.

This new money will bring the program’s available funding to a total of $55 billion, with the goal of building at least 131,000 apartments in the next decade.

Trudeau told 680 CJOB’s The Start that the upcoming budget is framed around the idea of ‘fairness for every generation’ and making sure those who feel left out of the housing market — particularly younger Canadians — can get a seat at the table.

“Today we’re going to be talking about deeply affordable housing because we know there’s a real need for it out here,” he said.

“We’re really leaning in a lot on housing right now. We’re going to be making announcements around making sure we’re keeping rents affordable — right across the country but including here in Winnipeg — supporting non-profit organizations who want to buy up low income and rental properties to protect them from the kind of development that often pushes people out of their homes.

“It’s all about increasing the supply of housing that is affordable in a way that’s going to take pressure off the entire system for everyone.”

In another housing-related announcement, the feds recently launched a $6 billion infrastructure fund to support homebuilding, as well as a $400 million top-up to the housing accelerator fund.

The federal budget is set to be tabled on April 16.

With files from The Canadian Press

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