8 in 10 Canadians Say Mortgage Fraud Creates an Unfair Housing Market

A new national poll conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights on behalf of Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC) and The Mortgage and Title Insurance Industry Association of Canada (MTIIAC) finds that Canadians see mortgage fraud as a serious problem that drives up housing costs, and strongly support giving lenders and brokers the ability to verify income with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

The survey of more than 2,000 adults found:

78% agree mortgage fraud creates an unfair playing field for honest buyers, while 64% believe it drives up housing prices.
58% of Canadians overall are concerned about mortgage fraud, with concern rising to 65% among those planning to buy within the next five years.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Canadians believe the CRA should have a role in preventing mortgage fraud.
72% support allowing lenders and mortgage brokers to confirm income information directly with the CRA, a view shared across political lines.

“These findings confirm what mortgage professionals see on the ground every day – Canadians want a fairer, more transparent system that protects honest homebuyers,” said Lauren van den Berg, President and CEO of Mortgage Professionals Canada. “Mortgage fraud not only undermines trust, it drives up housing costs for everyone. Income verification through the CRA is a practical solution that will strengthen trust in the housing market and help ensure everyone plays by the same rules. As an industry, we are committed to working with the government to give Canadians the confidence that their mortgage process is secure and equitable.”

Background
The findings of this poll build on ongoing federal discussions about strengthening Canada’s housing ecosystem.

Over the past two years, the government and the CRA have explored ways to introduce a secure digital income verification tool, with strong support from the mortgage industry and consumer groups.

Federal Momentum on CRA Income Verification Tool Budget 2024 included the federal government’s commitment to consult with the mortgage industry on developing an income verification tool via the CRA to address mortgage fraud.

MPC welcomed this announcement, noting that for every $1 lost to fraud it takes $4 for lenders to recoup, and expressed confidence in collaborative solutions benefiting homebuyers.

In fall 2024, the CRA conducted nationwide consultations, including roundtable discussions and an online questionnaire, to gather input from mortgage industry professionals on designing a secure, digital tool to verify borrower income and reduce documentation-based fraud.

In late 2024, the Fall Economic Statement indicated “the CRA aims to begin implementation of this measure in early 2025” in reference to “a new tool to combat mortgage fraud”. In July 2025, the CRA released findings confirming strong industry support for a real-time, secure digital tool (either via portal or API), allowing income validation with borrower consent. Participants emphasized benefits like streamlined approvals and fraud reduction.

However, despite the pledge in the Fall Economic Statement to begin implementation in early 2025, progress has stalled. Canadians deserve a secure and fair housing market. An income verification tool is a practical, low-cost solution that fights fraud, protects honest buyers, and supports housing affordability.

Candace Perko, Mortgage Broker