Liuna statement: Get shovels in the ground. Cut the red tape. Eliminate the unnecessary delays. Hold municipalities accountable for delivering on the commitments they’ve made.

Today there will be what is now the third announcement from all levels of government focused on lowering development charges and revitalizing the housing market.

It will be solved when homes are being built, workers are back on jobsites, and families can see a path to homeownership again.

The intention is right, and any effort to reduce costs and get more homes built deserves support. LiUNA, the largest unionized residential workforce, will be the first to issue, should it be stand on merit. But the reality is that for many municipalities, these commitments have remained largely unenforced and unfulfilled.

Without accountability, some municipalities have been content to stand at the podium for the announcement and then return to business as usual. Today, we will be watching closely to see whether this latest commitment finally moves from headline to action.

And while this announcement will undoubtedly be applauded, workers are already paying the price for the slowdown. Residential projects are being delayed or cancelled, builders are trapped in bureaucracy instead of building, and families are struggling to find housing they can afford.

So let’s not celebrate just yet.

Get shovels in the ground. Cut the red tape. Eliminate the unnecessary delays. Hold municipalities accountable for delivering on the commitments they’ve made. Then we can talk about success.

Impacts facing the residential sector will not be solved through announcements, press conferences, or photo opportunities. It will be solved when homes are being built, workers are back on jobsites, and families can see a path to homeownership again. Until then, the applause is premature.

Industry and labour have put forward solutions time and time again. Now it’s time for governments to deliver on their commitments.

We remain optimistic and look forward to hearing today’s action plan.