MNI BRIEF: Trudeau Housing Czar Quits Amid Affordability Pitch
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's housing minister quit Monday, costing him another key aide on the day his finance minister is pitching a fiscal update focused on making life more affordable amid complaints young families have been squeezed out of the property market.
Sean Fraser said he is stepping down, citing illnesses within his family, leaving a gap in the plan to restore housing affordability over the next decade. The announcement also comes with federal Liberals trailing badly in polls ahead of an election due next year and shortly after the party's provincial wing suffered a major defeat in Fraser's home province of Nova Scotia. Fraser has been touted as a future candidate to lead the Liberals in Nova Scotia or perhaps to replace Trudeau as federal Liberal leader.
Before becoming housing minister, Fraser ran the immigration file and has been blamed by opposition lawmakers for opening up record levels of entries for low-wage workers and students the government has since admitted put extra pressure on the housing market. Experts have also said Fraser's housing plan won't achieve its objectives because builders can't erect new dwellings fast enough. (See: MNI INTERVIEW: Canada Home Agency Sees Deeper Supply Shortfall)
Trudeau has lost other key ministers ahead of an election that could come soon if opposition parties force a non-confidence motion through Parliament. Departures include Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, his top deputies in the provinces of Quebec and Newfoundland, and the party's national campaign manager.