Montrealers have responded to the new federal budget

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's new budget aims to appeal to young Canadians. The government is forecasting 53 billion in new spending over the next five years through higher taxes on high earners and businesses in a bid to ensure intergenerational fairness and tackle the housing crisis.

“I live with my parents. I was asked to share a house with several people. I said no because it's too expensive,” said one young man in an interview with Montreal CityNews.

“For example, the triplex here costs more than 600,000. This is not normal. Like a few years ago, it was like 400, 300. So if you're looking to buy or live in general, I'd say a little better outside of Montreal.

To help young renters and first-time home buyers, the new budget includes investment in new programs and housing by converting unused public buildings into housing. However, many say this is not enough.

“Unfortunately, I'm not a landlord because I can't afford one. Mortgage rates are unaffordable and unaffordable right now,” said the Montrealer.

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Another quote: “My wife and I work at McGill. And we are not from here, obviously. We thought Montreal was still an affordable destination in North America. Maybe it is, but it's getting harder to buy, especially if you want to buy on the island,” said another Montrealer.

“I think especially for people with lower incomes than us, and they're going to need all the help from the government.”

Catherine Lussier, coordinator of Quebec's Popular Action Front for Urban Renewal (FRAPRU), says public-sector social housing investment will also be needed to solve the housing crisis.

“Investment in the private sector is not coming from the budget, especially for low-income and vulnerable tenants, who right now have a hard time affording decent housing or elsewhere,” Lussier said.

“Even if it's a little bit, we'd like to see the federal government do more going forward.”