The Empire Club of Canada
Hybrid
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Ontario is among several provinces grappling with soaring home prices, limited new construction, and a widening affordability gap that has pushed homeownership increasingly out of reach—especially for young Canadians. Housing starts are at multi-decade lows and for far too many people the dream of having a piece of Ontario they can call their own is slipping away.
This crisis has been further intensified by trade tensions with the United States, which have driven up construction costs and shaken economic confidence. As buyers grow more cautious amid economic uncertainty, the urgency for bold, coordinated action has never been greater.
In response, the Government of Ontario is acting to protecting Ontario’s economy and keeping workers on the job by cutting red tape and creating the conditions to get shovels in the ground faster. Though transformative legislation, policy changes, and historic investments, Ontario is laying the foundation to accelerate housing and infrastructure development, streamline municipal processes, and reduce regulatory burdens, all while fostering innovation and collaboration with local leaders and homebuilder alike.
On February 17, 2025, The Empire Club of Canada will host The Honourable Robert J. Flack, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, for a keynote speech entitled Protecting the Dream of Homeownership in Ontario to explain what’s next in Ontario’s plan to support families, attract investment, and create good jobs. Working together, we can enhance affordability, ensure timely delivery of critical projects, and foster an innovative and resilient economy for decades to come.
Rob is a lifelong businessman who was appointed to the role of Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in March of 2025. He previously served as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, as well as Associate Minister of Housing.
Prior to entering politics, he enjoyed a fulfilling career as CEO at Masterfeeds Inc. and held numerous industry and community leadership roles.
A dedicated advocate for his community, he has proudly represented Elgin-Middlesex-London since 2022. He looks forward to leveraging his career in business and local leadership to strengthen municipalities across the province and build more homes, faster
