Among the highlights in the 2012 Observer:
- The recently introduced Canadian Covered Bond Legal Framework, which will support financial stability by facilitating diversified funding for lenders and strengthening the robustness of the Canadian covered bonds market;
- Annual housing starts and the average mortgage payment as a percentage of personal disposable income per worker are both close to their long-term averages, while debt-service ratios are below or near their long-term averages;
- Most mortgage holders have substantial equity in their homes, while the percentage of residential mortgages three months or more in arrears has been declining;
- Housing designed with flexibility in mind is better able to adapt to meet the needs of an aging population and accommodate the accessibility and other needs...