The housing market in #Canada is at a critical inflection point. The government's plan to solve housing affordability through increased immigration and housing supply is fundamentally flawed. The demand shock isn't being addressed, and the supply side faces hurdles due to economic conditions and regulatory mechanisms. This disconnect breeds a false narrative.

The private sector isn't likely to invest heavily in #housing during a downturn, especially when there's a risk of falling home prices and tighter credit. This is evident in the decline of residential permits and construction jobs. The housing minister's goal of maintaining home values while adding more affordable units is akin to having your cake and eating it too.

Furthermore, the belief that immigrants will be the builders of new housing is questionable. If job opportunities dwindle due to economic shifts, immigration might retract. Equally important is the potential undercounting of unemployment numbers, which could lead to a rude awakening when revisions are made.

Overall, the economy is starting to feel the strain of rate hikes. Indicators like falling retail sales show that the #Canadian consumer is feeling the pinch. The coming months will reveal more about the actual state of the economy, but one thing is clear: the current approach to #housing isn't sustainable. The narrative needs to be challenged, and fresh, realistic strategies must be considered.