Ontario’s final tally for housing starts in 2024 was well off what’s needed to achieve 1.5 million homes, even with various new categories the government counts.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has added the Darlington New Nuclear Project to his list of projects deemed to be in the national interest and therefore worthy of fast tracking.

Four organizations will receive funding for programs that focus specifically on construction trades, including IBEW Local 353.

The change will help reduce travel for apprentices writing exams, and support faster entry to the workforce for employers who are hiring now.

A research brief warns that restricting competition for construction procurement can increase project costs by 14 to 21 percent.