Ron Butler, a mortgage industry professional, raised concerns on his Twitter account about recent policy moves by the Ontario government regarding housing and the construction sector. In a series of tweets posted on March 24 and March 25, 2026, Butler questioned the intent and effectiveness of these measures.
On March 24, Butler wrote: “Wait A Second….. Ontario Has Set Up A Fund To Bail Out Developers? WTF Is Going On Hear
Provincial Government calls it a fund to improve affordable rentals & help the Construction Industry
But is it really buying unsold Condo Units to Bailout Developers?
Head is exploding https://t.co/fvlVuXwKy0” He questioned whether the provincial government’s new fund was truly intended to support affordable rentals and assist the construction industry or if it was being used to purchase unsold condominium units as a bailout for developers.
The following day, on March 25, Butler commented further on proposed tax changes in the province’s housing market. He stated: “Will Removing The HST From All New Construction Homes In Ontario Kick Start The Residential Construction Industry: ABSOLUTELY NOT
Since politicians mainly know Sweet FA about the Industries for which they invent policies this should be expected
BTW every Tax Removed is GOOD
2/” Here, he expressed skepticism that removing the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) from new construction homes would revitalize residential building activity in Ontario. He also noted that while eliminating taxes can be beneficial in general, he doubted policymakers’ understanding of industry dynamics.
In another tweet posted moments later on March 25, Butler added: “Even with the removal of the HST it will still be cheaper to buy a home: Condo, Townhouse or Single Family on a Resale basis than buy a New Construction home
Although New Construction Homes have the advantages of new, modern & up to date they have many disadvantages
4/” This comment highlighted his view that resale homes remain more affordable than newly built properties even if certain taxes are removed. He acknowledged some benefits of new construction but pointed out various drawbacks as well.
Ontario has recently introduced initiatives aimed at addressing housing affordability and supporting its construction sector. These measures come amid ongoing debates over how best to stimulate homebuilding while ensuring access to affordable housing options across the province.
