The federal government’s Apartment Construction Loan Program will get a $15 billion top-up in the budget to help with housing availability and affordability. Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu and Justice Minister Arif Virani made the announcement in Regina on Wednesday, as part of the Liberal government’s pre-budget tour.

With the top-up, the government estimates over 131,000 new apartments built in the next decade. As well, the program’s loan terms will be extended and access to financing will be extended to include housing for students and seniors. Minister Hajdu says the loan program will be available for provinces and territories that launch their own ambitious housing plans.

She was asked for her response to Premier Scott Moe’s comments about Tuesday’s infrastructure funding, when he said the federal government is wading into provincial jurisdiction and tying the funding to housing requirements, rather than it being unrestricted. Hajdu responded that if an agreement isn’t signed with any province, she believes by next January, the offer goes to municipalities.