Affordable housing is a priority for many voters, so how do the party platforms measure up?

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For generations, housing has been a local or regional issue but it has now vaulted to the forefront of national politics. With the pandemic amplifying already existing trends, housing affordability has been on the minds of many voters.

In Montreal, people have taken to the streets to denounce the rising cost of housing for both renters and prospective buyers, as real estate in the area has continued to boom.

The housing crunch has driven up prices on and off the island, leaving many people feeling priced out of their neighbourhoods.

The issue has long been associated with cities like Toronto and Vancouver, but experts say the pandemic has exacerbated the impact in other cities.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average price of a Canadian home has gone up more than 50 per cent over the last five years.

"The big issue we're facing is too many people for not enough homes. And that's happening throughout the West and worldwide," said Thomas Davidoff, director of the UBC Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate.