CMHC Economist Discusses Canada Housing Market Outlook

Mathieu Laberge, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Housing Insights at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provided an overview of the Canadian housing market's future trajectory. Speaking at the 2026 Canadian Finance Conference, Laberge addressed key aspects including homebuilding activity, property price trends, and consumer demand. His discussion, as reported by Bloomberg, focused on the critical factors and policy considerations necessary to accelerate the pace and increase the scale of new housing supply across Canada.

Laberge's remarks highlighted the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the Canadian housing sector. The conversation, moderated by Bloomberg's Paula Sambo, delved into the complexities of bringing new residential units to market efficiently. This includes examining regulatory hurdles, construction costs, and the availability of labor and materials that can impact the speed and volume of new home construction. The CMHC, as Canada's national housing agency, plays a pivotal role in understanding and influencing these market dynamics through research, policy advice, and financial programs.

The outlook for Canadian homebuilding is intrinsically linked to broader economic conditions, including interest rates, employment levels, and population growth. Laberge's insights likely touched upon how these macroeconomic factors influence both the supply side of construction and the demand side from potential homebuyers. The CMHC's mandate involves ensuring Canadians have access to housing that is appropriate to their needs and that the housing market operates in a stable and efficient manner. Therefore, discussions at such conferences are crucial for disseminating the latest analysis and informing stakeholders about potential policy interventions.

Furthermore, the discussion at the 2026 Canadian Finance Conference would have provided a platform for Laberge to elaborate on specific strategies or recommendations aimed at overcoming current bottlenecks in housing development. This could encompass proposals for streamlining approval processes, incentivizing construction of affordable housing units, or exploring innovative building technologies. The CMHC's role extends to providing data and analysis that supports evidence-based decision-making for governments, industry professionals, and the public, making Laberge's commentary a significant contribution to the discourse on Canada's housing future.