Ron Butler, a mortgage industry commentator, has recently posted a series of tweets addressing issues related to municipal development taxes, political dynamics in Ontario, and current mortgage rates in Canada.
On March 31, 2026, Butler criticized the approach of reallocating federal and provincial tax dollars to cities for the purpose of reducing municipal development taxes. He stated: “We Going To Take Federal & Provincial Tax Dollars & Give Them To Cities To Reduce Municipal Development Taxes
The taxation Merry-Go-Round
Toronto raised Development Fees 5000% over 25 years DESTROYED Residential Construction & now The Feds & Provence will bail them out https://t.co/vTXCHxatuC” (March 31, 2026).
Later that day, Butler commented on Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s political conduct following his victory over Bonnie Crombie. He wrote: “The Truth Is Doug Ford Shares Some Trump Qualities: He A Sore Winner
He beats Bonnie Crombie so bad her own Party throws her out
He WON Bigly
But he still wants to kick her when she’s down
She’s an enemy for life
Who does that sound like? https://t.co/Pck9zyVIX7” (March 31, 2026).
On April 1, 2026, Butler addressed the state of Canadian mortgage rates amid global events. He tweeted: “Most Fixed Mortgage Rates Are Now In The 4% Range: What Should People Do?
The War In The Middle East drove up Canada Bond Yields & therefore drove up Fixed Rates 5 – Yr 4.04% – 4.29%
Variable Rate Mortgages now look much more interesting 3.35% to 3.70%
Which Rate to take?
2/” (April 1, 2026).
Toronto’s increase in development fees over the past quarter-century has been significant and has had an impact on residential construction in the city. These increases have contributed to ongoing debates about housing affordability and government intervention at multiple levels.
Doug Ford is currently serving as Premier of Ontario after winning a decisive electoral victory against Bonnie Crombie. His leadership style has drawn comparisons to other prominent political figures due to his approach both during and after elections.
Canadian mortgage rates are influenced by international events such as conflicts in the Middle East, which can affect bond yields and subsequently fixed-rate mortgages. Variable rate mortgages are being reconsidered by some borrowers as interest rate spreads shift.
