A million dollar home does not make one rich, particularly if it was purchased decades ago and just happens to be worth $1 million+ today.  There are many in this situation in Toronto and Vancouver/Victoria (in particular).  They may be "house rich", but they have little else and low income.  These people aren't "rich".

If you buy a million dollar home however you might be earning a good income (and therefore actually paying a lot in taxes already) or you aren't well off and you only afford the home by overextending debt.