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Trump Proposes Closing Department of Education via Executive Action

                                     In a bold move, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced his intention to dismantle the Department of Education through executive action. Trump, who has long criticized the federal government's role in education, believes that states should have more control over their schools. During a press conference in the Oval Office, Trump stated, "We spend more per pupil than any other country in the world, and we’re ranked at the bottom of the list. What I want to do is let the states run schools." Despite acknowledging that an executive order would face significant challenges, Trump expressed his preference for working with Congress and teachers' unions to achieve this goal. The proposed dismantling of the Department of Education has sparked a debate about the future of federal involvement in education. Critics argue that eliminating the depart...

Toronto’s Condo Crisis: A Dire Signal for Housing Affordability and Rental Market

 

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is facing a condo crisis that has significant implications for housing affordability and rental supply. According to a recent report by CIBC and Urbanation, the GTA’s condo market is “clearly in recessionary territory,” and the nationwide housing crisis is at a level not seen in over 30 years. Here are the key points:

  1. Condo Pre-Sales at a 20-Year Low: Toronto-area condo pre-sales are below 50%, marking a more than 20-year low. High costs, high interest rates, and poor investment prospects have left the market in a challenging situation.

  2. Investor Dilemma: Condo investors play a crucial role in rental supply and overall housing affordability. However, recent investors are mostly losing money, and prospective investors are avoiding new projects due to uncertainty.

  3. Developers Struggle: Developers face rising construction costs due to inflation, coupled with dwindling interest in future projects. This slowdown in future supply exacerbates the crisis.

  4. Limited Relief: Falling interest rates, projected population growth slowdown, and stabilized construction costs provide some relief. However, it’s not a magic solution, and a more comprehensive policy response is needed.

  5. Record-High Inventory: Unsold condo inventory in the second quarter of 2024 reached a record high of 25,893 units, more than 60% higher than the 10- and 20-year averages. Sales were the lowest in 20 years outside of the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In summary, Toronto’s condo market woes underscore the urgent need for housing policy reforms and creative solutions to address affordability and rental challenges.


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