Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced new measures to address Halifax’s high housing demand. The Federal Government is accelerating over $7 billion in low-cost loans via the Apartment Construction Loan Program to build 16,500 rental units. Furthermore, a $6 billion national initiative will focus on recruiting and training essential skilled tradespeople, such as carpenters and welders. An additional $41.9 million will support efforts to modernize homebuilding codes and streamline modular housing regulations. These coordinated efforts aim to reduce red tape, utilize more Canadian labour, and ensure projects move quickly from planning to completion to improve housing affordability across Nova Scotia.