Profits Over People: The Politicians Cashing In on Canada’s Housing Crisis

While Canadians grapple with skyrocketing rents and unaffordable home prices, some of the very politicians tasked with solving the crisis are cashing in on the misery. With nearly 20% of Members of Parliament (MPs) owning rental or investment properties—and countless provincial legislators following suit—it’s clear there’s a conflict of interest at the heart of Canada’s housing crisis.

These politicians profit from rising rents, inflated home values, and constrained housing supply, creating little incentive to enact meaningful reforms. Instead of championing policies that could alleviate the crisis, their decisions often protect their financial interests, leaving millions of Canadians to pay the price.

The Politicians Profiting from Housing Misery

Pierre Poilievre

The leader of the Conservative Party and MP for Carleton has disclosed ownership of a Calgary-area rental property through Liberty West Properties Inc. Poilievre has frequently criticized the Liberal government for failing to address housing affordability, but his own financial interests in rental properties raise concerns about whether his proposed solutions truly serve Canadians or protect his investments.

Jagmeet Singh

The leader of the New Democratic Party and MP for Burnaby South has also disclosed ownership of rental property. Singh's advocacy for tenant rights and affordability is undermined by his financial ties to the rental market, highlighting a potential conflict between his public platform and private interests.

Taleeb Noormohamed

The Liberal MP for Vancouver Granville has disclosed ownership of multiple rental properties. With Vancouver facing one of Canada’s worst housing affordability crises, Noormohamed’s extensive real estate holdings raise serious questions about his ability to advocate for meaningful reforms.

Marty Morantz

A Conservative MP for Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—Headingley, Morantz owns an astounding 21 rental properties across Winnipeg and Edmonton. His vast portfolio exemplifies the problem of landlord-politicians influencing housing policies that directly affect their personal wealth.

Ahmed Hussen

As Canada’s Minister of Housing and Diversity, Hussen’s ownership of rental properties has drawn criticism for a perceived conflict of interest. Critics argue that his financial ties to the rental market may compromise his ability to tackle the affordability crisis effectively.

Conflicts at the Provincial Level

Conflicts of interest are not limited to federal politics. Across provinces, many Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) and provincial cabinet members also own rental properties.

Ontario: Progressive Conservative MLAs who own rental properties have resisted stronger tenant protections and rent control measures. This resistance benefits their financial interests while renters face mounting challenges.

British Columbia: Municipal leaders and provincial MLAs in BC, where housing affordability is at its worst, often own investment properties themselves. Some have blocked zoning reforms near transit corridors, perpetuating low-density housing and driving up rents.

Policy Decisions Influenced by Real Estate Interests

When policymakers hold substantial stakes in the rental market, it creates a disincentive to pursue reforms that could lower rents or increase housing supply. Key areas of concern include:

Restrictive Zoning Laws: Politicians benefit from maintaining low-density zoning in neighborhoods, as it keeps property values high while restricting competition.

Weakened Tenant Protections: Many landlord-politicians are reluctant to strengthen rent controls or tenant protections, fearing the impact on their rental income.

Development Delays: Municipal leaders often cite “community character” to delay or block higher-density developments, indirectly preserving the scarcity that drives rental profits.

Deep Analysis: Addressing Systemic Conflicts of Interest

Mandatory Transparency: While disclosure is already required for federal MPs, the system has limitations. Provincial and municipal leaders often have less stringent reporting rules, leaving potential conflicts hidden. Expanding mandatory disclosure to all levels of government is critical to identifying and mitigating conflicts.

Conflict of Interest Policies: Canada should adopt stricter rules barring politicians with significant real estate holdings from voting on housing-related legislation. Similar measures are already in place in other sectors, such as corporate boardrooms, to prevent financial conflicts.

Proactive Policy Reforms: To mitigate the effects of self-interest, Canada must prioritize bold, systemic changes:

Zoning Overhauls: Allowing higher-density developments near transit and urban centers can break the cycle of scarcity-driven rent hikes.

Affordable Housing Investments: Expanding public-private partnerships for affordable housing construction, particularly through modular methods, can bypass political resistance rooted in personal gain.

Independent Oversight: Establishing independent housing commissions to evaluate and recommend policies could reduce the influence of self-interested politicians on housing decisions.

A Call to Action

Canada’s housing crisis is a leadership crisis. Politicians tasked with solving the problem cannot simultaneously profit from its perpetuation. It’s time to demand better:

Demand Transparency: Write to your MP, MLA, or city councilor to call for full disclosure of real estate holdings and stricter conflict-of-interest rules.

Push for Reform: Advocate for policies that prioritize housing as a human right, not a commodity for wealth generation.

Vote for Accountability: In the next election, support candidates who commit to housing reform and demonstrate transparency in their financial interests.

While Canadians suffer under skyrocketing rents, some of their leaders are profiting. Let’s end the double standard and demand action that prioritizes people over profits.