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TORONTO — A coalition of Canadian homebuilders, the Coalition Against New Home Taxes (CANT) has launched a campaign to draw attention to the role government taxes and fees play in keeping new home prices high, creating a spoof board game based on the old favourite Monopoly.

Taxopoly, The Unwinnable Game of Canadian Homeownership, mimics the original game but includes features such as Not a Chance cards and Go to Your Parents’ House (instead of Go to Jail).

One of the Not a Chance cards states, “Nearly 30 per cent of what you paid for your home went to the government. Miss a turn and let that sink in.”

The advocacy group includes Republic Developments, Alterra, DBS Developments, LAMB Development and others.

A release explained the builders are advocating for a reduction in the taxes on new homes.

“Costs of new homes are higher than they should be because 30 per cent of their cost is the result of taxes. These taxes significantly inflate home prices, making it harder for Canadians to achieve homeownership,” explains the statement.

CANT said it is committed to passing 100 per cent of any tax savings directly to homebuyers, ensuring that for every dollar saved through reduced taxes, the price of a home will decrease by that amount.

“CANT is calling on policy makers to take action and help make housing more affordable for all Canadians.” 

The campaign includes the playable board game, hoarding with the message erected at Bathurst and Richmond in Toronto, and digital social media assets.