PM Carney’s Housing Announcement Stagecraft Draws Criticism

OTTAWA — Newly released documents have revealed that the construction site used during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s press conference on September 14, 2025, was an elaborate façade, designed primarily for media optics. The announcement pertained to the launch of a new federal housing agency, but the backdrop featured temporary, unfinished housing units that were never intended for long-term use.

In response to an inquiry by Conservative MP Arnold Viersen, the Privy Council Office confirmed that the site was merely a “demonstration” orchestrated by Caivan Homes, a modular home builder based in Ottawa. The PCO noted that the homes showcased were bound for the Arctic, specifically for families in need, and had been disassembled shortly after the event.

The statement further clarified that the lot, owned by the federal government, was meant to serve as an example of land available for housing projects, a detail not mentioned by Carney or Housing Minister Gregor Robertson during the event.

During the press conference, Carney claimed, “The two sets of homes behind me were manufactured in two days and assembled on-site in one week.” His remarks suggested that the vacant gravel lot would soon become a vibrant neighbourhood. However, just days later, a visit to the site revealed that the housing units had been removed, replaced by construction equipment grading the land.

Public Backlash and Financial Implications

The elaborate staging prompted significant public outcry, with critics labeling the event a “Potemkin village” designed for public relations rather than genuine progress in addressing the housing crisis. The Department of Housing confirmed that the entire operation cost taxpayers $32,707.23, raising questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Franco Terrazzano, federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, condemned the event as a disingenuous display. “Carney billed taxpayers for a very expensive photo op,” he stated, emphasizing that such expenditures divert funds from more meaningful housing initiatives.

In defense of the staging, Frank Cairo, co-founder of Caivan Homes, explained that the government had approached the company to create a “prototype build” for the announcement. “The rapid prototype build was featuring actual homes but was never intended to be misunderstood as a housing development site,” he said. Cairo asserted that the homes used were repurposed for a separate housing development project in eastern Ottawa, minimizing additional costs.

Future of Housing Initiatives

The controversy surrounding the press conference underscores the challenges facing the new federal housing agency, known as Build Canada Homes (BCH), which is headed by former Toronto councillor Ana Bailao. As the agency aims to tackle the pressing housing crisis in Canada, the optics of its launch have raised concerns about credibility and effectiveness in communicating its objectives.

Critics have called for greater transparency and accountability from the government, stressing the importance of meaningful actions over staged events. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in addressing housing needs while maintaining public trust.

As discussions continue around effective housing solutions, the government will need to navigate these criticisms carefully to ensure that future initiatives resonate with Canadians who are increasingly looking for genuine progress in housing availability and affordability.