Housing is down, unemployment is up, Ontarians are suffering

September 4, 2025

GUELPH — Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to CEO of RESCON announcing thousands of layoffs.

“It’s time for the Premier to act. Ontario needs bold, immediate action to tackle the housing and unemployment crisis.

Under Doug Ford, everything is going in the wrong direction: housing is down and unemployment is up. Ontarians are suffering.

Now is the time to legalize gentle density and missing middle housing, and invest in government-funded, affordable non-profit, co-op, and supportive housing.

Under Doug Ford’s leadership, Ontario’s unemployment rate has climbed to a staggering 7.8% – the highest it’s been since 2012. At the same time, we’re facing the worst housing downturn since 2009. Housing starts plummeted by 25% between January and July compared to the same period last year.

Now, the CEO of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is warning that this slump is already leading to thousands of job losses, with more on the horizon.

While everyday Ontarians struggle to find an affordable place to live and a stable job, Doug Ford continues to stand still.”

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