Robertson Returns: Housing, Power & Politics

By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | May 14, 2025

In May 2025, former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson made a major political comeback, stepping onto the national stage as a key figure in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly formed federal cabinet. Appointed Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, and concurrently serving as Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, Robertson is now tasked with shaping Canada’s response to the country’s worsening housing crisis while laying the groundwork for a new era of sustainable infrastructure.

Robertson’s appointment signals a deliberate shift by Carney’s government toward bold, climate-conscious economic policy. Carney, a former governor of the Bank of Canada and a globally respected figure in sustainable finance, is seen as building a cabinet that merges economic pragmatism with progressive urban and environmental reform. Robertson fits this mold perfectly.

Robertson’s Role in Carney’s Cabinet

As Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Robertson is responsible for implementing the government’s ambitious plan to build 500,000 new affordable homes over the next five years. This includes accelerating federal funding to municipalities, promoting innovative housing technologies, and revisiting federal land use policies to unlock space for new developments. He is also expected to work with provinces to align zoning laws with densification goals in urban centers.

On the infrastructure front, Robertson is tasked with modernizing Canada’s transportation networks and energy systems with a strong emphasis on green technologies. Projects will include major public transit expansions, retrofitting existing public buildings for energy efficiency, and supporting clean water and broadband access in rural and Indigenous communities.

As Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, Robertson acts as a federal liaison for British Columbia’s economic growth strategy, balancing environmental protections with innovation-driven industries such as cleantech, life sciences, and green construction. His ties to the West Coast and experience as a three-term mayor of Vancouver make him a strategic voice in navigating regional challenges.

The Point Grey Road Controversy

Despite his extensive resume, Robertson’s return to politics has reignited debates about some of his most controversial decisions while mayor—most notably, the closure of Point Grey Road to commuter traffic in 2014. The move converted a scenic stretch of the city’s prestigious “Golden Mile” into a bike-only greenway as part of the larger Seaside Greenway project. Although promoted as a pro-cycling and environmental measure, it was met with public backlash.

The backlash was particularly intense because Robertson himself owned a multimillion-dollar property on that very street. While he recused himself from council votes, critics argued that the policy disproportionately benefited the elite, contributing to a narrative of hypocrisy and “green elitism.” Detractors also pointed out that rerouted traffic clogged surrounding streets, placing the burden of congestion on less affluent neighborhoods.

The Happy Planet Chapter

Long before politics, Robertson was known as a social entrepreneur. In 1994, he co-founded Happy Planet, an organic juice and smoothie company rooted in sustainability and wellness. He exited the business when he entered politics and divested completely by 2013. However, in 2022, Happy Planet made headlines again after it fell victim to a fraudulent transfer scheme, losing over $570,000. The company filed a lawsuit to recover the funds, but as of 2025, the matter remains unresolved.

A Test of Vision and Leadership

With his dual ministerial roles, Robertson is under pressure to deliver measurable results. Canada’s housing crisis has reached emergency levels, and infrastructure backlogs have strained public confidence in government effectiveness. His success will depend on whether he can unify environmental, economic, and housing priorities in a practical, equitable manner.

As a political figure once hailed as a progressive trailblazer—and later critiqued for policies seen as favoring the wealthy—Gregor Robertson’s return to national politics is as symbolic as it is strategic. Prime Minister Carney has put trust in his West Coast ally to implement transformative policies. Whether Robertson can rise above past controversies and deliver for Canadians remains to be seen—but his role will undoubtedly shape the future of Canadian urban life for years to come.

#Gregor Robertson #Canadian Politics #Housing Crisis #Mark Carney Cabinet #Sustainable Infrastructure #Vancouver Controversy #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

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