On April 19, 2023, Generation Squeeze, Habitat for Humanity GTA and the Aga Khan Council for Canada’s Future Ready Initiative hosted the second of three sessions of our landmark discussion at The Ismaili Centre, Toronto, titled, Housing & Immigration in the GTA: What can we gain?

This session tackled the interplay between immigration and housing from historical, current and future perspectives, while delving deeper into how to better align immigration and housing policy. To solve the housing crisis, we need to move past the rhetoric. Why? Because a better future is possible and achievable. Through this discussion, we explored how we can create it.

Moderated by Anne Gaviola, Global News Toronto Senior Digital Broadcast Journalist, the discussion drew on the perspectives of the host organizations as well as the panelists:

• Victor Dodig, President and CEO, CIBC
• Lily Cheng, Toronto City Councillor, Ward 18
• Zahra Ebrahim, CEO and Co-Founder, Monumental
• Paul Kershaw, Founder, Generation Squeeze

The unique format of the evening drew on input from the audience that fed into a moderated discussion with our speakers. The formal session was followed by an informal reception for the entire audience to engage with our speakers, leaders from the three presenting partners, and local politicians on how to translate knowledge into action and positive change.

To honour tradition during the holy month of Ramadan, all were invited to participate in a breaking of the fast at Sundown. agakhanmuseum.org.

CBC NEWS interview with Dr. Paul Kershaw about immigration and budgets:

Learn more:

>> Read our op-ed in The Globe & Mail: Canadian immigration targets respond to generational tensions

>> Watch the first discussion in this series: Housing in the GTA: What's at Stake?