How Can Expropriation Be Used To Solve the Housing Crisis?

Abstract

This paper considers application of the law of taking, called expropriation in Canada, to the “Housing Crisis,” as it is often characterized. It examines four options: The royal prerogative of taking, procedural reform, compensation reform, and public-sector directed surges in supply. Drawing on recent events (a rash of vacant house fires) in Winnipeg in particular, it is submitted that procedural reform is the most promising option, but more research is necessary to determine how best to do this, balancing speed with procedural fairness.This publication was funded by the Institute of Urban Studies