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Tab A: Housing

  1. National Housing Strategy
  2. Affordable Housing Fund
  3. Affordable Housing Innovation Fund
  4. Canada Housing Benefit
  5. First-Time Home Buyer Incentive
  6. Housing Accelerator Fund
  7. Apartment Construction Loan Program
  8. Rapid Housing Initiative
  9. Federal Lands Initiative
  10. Mortgage Insurance Programs
  11. Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act
  12. Housing Design Catalogue
  13. Housing-Infrastructure Links (Housing Conditionality)
  14. Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Act
  15. Funding and Programs for Shelters
  16. Indigenous Housing
  17. Accessible Housing
  18. Community Housing

National Housing Strategy

Issue / question

What are the key accomplishments in housing since the launch of the National Housing Strategy?

Suggested response

  • Housing affordability and housing supply are real challenges faced by many Canadians. That is why the Government's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10 year, $82+ billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.
  • Since launching the Strategy in 2017, we have made over $36 billion in commitments to support affordable housing, the creation of new units and the repair of existing ones.
  • The NHS delivers concrete results. Since its launch, the federal government has supported the creation and repair of 255,698 units (126,739 new units and repairs to 128,959 units).

Background

  • Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) sets ambitious targets to ensure that unprecedented investments and new programming deliver results. This initial target was a 50% reduction in chronic and episodic homelessness, the government is now focused on eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada, and as many as 530,000 households being taken out of housing need. The NHS will result in up to 160,000 new housing units and 300,000 repaired or renewed housing units.
  • Through new initiatives like the Affordable Housing Fund (previously the National Housing Co-Investment Fund), the community housing initiatives, and funding to the provinces and territories, the NHS will create a new generation of housing in Canada. Our plan will promote diverse communities. It will build housing that is sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, and mixed-use. We will build housing that is fully integrated into the community — close to transit, close to work, and close to public services.
  • Expanded and reformed federal homelessness programming, a Canada Housing Benefit, and a human rights-based approach to housing will ensure that the NHS prioritizes the most vulnerable Canadians including women and children fleeing family violence, Indigenous peoples, seniors, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addiction issues, veterans, young adults, and those experiencing homelessness. Programs in the NHS will be based on best evidence and ongoing input from people with lived experience of housing need.
  • The NHS respects the Government of Canada's commitment to working on a nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown, government-to-government basis with Indigenous peoples, which is why Indigenous Services Canada, with support from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is currently engaging with First Nations, Métis Nation, and Inuit partners to develop distinctions-based housing strategies.

Affordable Housing Fund

Issue / question

What is the government doing to ensure housing is available for Canadians in need?

Suggested response

  • The Affordable Housing Fund is at the core of the National Housing Strategy. Our government is working with partners across the country to invest in the growth of livable communities.
  • The 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced additional funding of $1 billion over three years for the Affordable Housing Fund, starting in 2025-26, to build more affordable housing for Canadians who need them most.
  • As of September 30, 2023, we committed over $7.48 billion in low-cost loans and contributions for over 160,000 new and repaired units.

Background

  • On November 21, 2023, the 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced the renaming of the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) to the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), along with additional funding of $1 billion over three years, starting in 2025‑26, to build more affordable housing.
  • Funding is still available under the current NHCF. The federal government intends to announce reforms to the Affordable Housing Fund in early 2024.
  • The AHF attracts partnerships with, and investments from the provinces and territories, municipalities, non-profits and co‑operatives, and the private sector, to focus on new construction and renewal of the existing affordable housing supply. It aims to support more shelter spaces for survivors of family violence, transitional and supportive housing, new and renewed affordable and community housing, and ways of making homeownership more affordable. The NHCF also supports Canada's climate change goals, and improving accessibility of housing for people with disabilities, by promoting universal design and visitability.
  • The AHF is aligned with public investment in job creation, skills training, transit, early learning, health care, and cultural and recreational infrastructure. The federal government will work closely with provinces and territories to ensure housing investments are well coordinated and aligned.
  • The AHF has minimum eligibility requirements for its social outcomes. Borrowers must:
    • Demonstrate financial viability and their financial and operational ability to carry out the project.
    • Ensure that rents for at least 30% of the units must be less than 80% of the Median Market Rent and maintained for a minimum of 20 years.
    • Meet 25% decrease in energy consumption and Greenhouse Gas emissions.
    • Ensure that 20% of units within the project must meet or exceed accessibility standards.

Affordable Housing Innovation Fund

Issue / question

How will we create change to make housing more innovative and affordable?

Suggested response

  • Our government has invested over $750 million to give innovative housing providers and developers the resources to test new ideas and explore better ways of meeting housing challenges.
  • To date, the funds committed under both phases of the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund will create close to 20,000 homes, with more than 16,000 of them being affordable housing units.
  • To help make it easier for renters to get on the path to home ownership, the fund includes a $200 million rent-to-own stream to develop and test innovative models and projects across the country.

Background

  • The Affordable Housing Innovation Fund supports new ideas that will drive change and disrupt the industry – ideas and approaches that will evolve the affordable housing sector and create the next generation of housing in Canada.
  • This funding will support innovations that:
    • develop and test innovations that incorporate resource and operating efficiencies and are replicable and scalable – including financing, operating models, and technologies
    • facilitate partnerships and encourage participation from diverse stakeholders including private sector, not-for-profits, community housing organizations, co-operatives, municipalities, provinces, territories, Indigenous governments and organizations and social investment organizations
  • The Affordable Housing Innovation Fund defines affordability based on the affordability criteria of the municipality where the project is located. Failing such municipal criteria, the provincial criteria may be used. Where no affordability criteria exist, CMHC will determine affordability for rental housing projects based on the median market rent. Projects must remain affordable for at least 10 years.
  • This investment is expected to support the construction of up to 6,000 new affordable homes over six years, helping to fill the gap for low and moderate-income households, seniors, new immigrants, and young professionals. The Innovation Fund will help generate innovation and growth in the affordable housing sector by encouraging the development of new funding models and building techniques. The goal is to test new, innovative financing models and unique designs used to make housing more accessible and lower the costs and risks associated with affordable housing projects.
  • The Rent-to-Own stream of the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund is for housing providers interested in developing, testing, and scaling innovative rent-to-own models and projects. This funding will give housing providers, developers, and investors resources to test new ideas. It enables them to explore better ways of meeting housing challenges, including financing projects and developing funding models to address new gaps and respond to a shifting housing landscape. If your innovative rent-to-own project or idea qualifies for funding, you will need to demonstrate how it will help a tenant to become a homeowner within five years.

Canada Housing Benefit

Issue / question

Who benefits from the Canada Housing Benefit?

Suggested response

  • Our government created the $4.8 billion Canada Housing Benefit to provide direct financial support to families in need across the country.
  • We worked with provinces and territories to create and deliver a unique benefit for each jurisdiction, based on local housing needs and priorities.
  • In addition to this, we provided a one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit in April 2023, providing a $500 payment to 1.8 million Canadian renters who are struggling with the cost of housing.

Background

  • The Canada Housing Benefit is delivered by provinces and territories and invests $4 billion, cost-matched by both the federal and provincial and territorial governments, over a period of eight years up to 2027-2028.
  • The provincial/territorial Canada Housing Benefit aims to reduce housing need for some of Canada's most vulnerable population groups by providing funding directly to households in need, monthly, to help them afford their housing costs.
  • Budget 2021 added an additional $315 million to the Canada Housing Benefit, specifically for women and children fleeing violence. This was broadened to cover all those experiencing gender-based violence and is also cost-matched by provinces and territories for a total of $630 million.
  • In addition, the government delivered the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit, a payment of $500 to roughly 1.8 million eligible renters in Canada who are struggling with the cost of housing.
  • This one-time federal benefit was in addition to the Canada Housing Benefit co‑funded and delivered by the provinces and territories.
  • The top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit was available to applicants with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families, or below $20,000 for individuals, who are 15 years of age or older and pay at least 30% of their adjusted net income on rent.
  • In February 2024, the government announced an additional $100 million for the Canada Housing Benefit to support those households in housing need with direct affordability support, including newcomers to Canada and those seeking asylum.

First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

Issue / question

How will the National Housing Strategy help Canadians purchase their first home?

Suggested response

  • The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive helps make homeownership more affordable for young Canadians by lowering their monthly mortgage payment.
  • It offers qualified first-time home buyers a repayable incentive that allows them to afford their mortgage payments.
  • As of September 30, 2023, our government committed close to $409 million, supporting over 22,000 first-time home buyers.

Background

First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

  • $1.25 billion for the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) (extended until March 31, 2025). As of September 30, 2023, CMHC has committed $408.92 million representing 22,826 applications to the FTHBI.
  • The FTHBI is a shared-equity mortgage with the Government of Canada, available through financial institutions, which offers:
    • 5% or 10% for a first-time buyer's purchase of a newly constructed home
    • 5% for a first-time buyer's purchase of a resale (existing) home
    • 5% for a first-time buyer's purchase of a new or resale mobile/manufactured home
  • The shared equity component of the incentive means that the government shares in both the upside and downside of the property value, up to a maximum gain or loss equal to 8% per annum (not compounded) on the Incentive amount from the date of advance to the time of repayment. 
  • The homebuyer must repay the Incentive after 25 years, or when the property is sold, whichever comes first. The homebuyer can also repay the Incentive in full any time before, without a pre-payment penalty.

Shared Equity Mortgage Providers Fund

  • $100 million to fund existing providers of shared equity mortgages. As of September 30, 2023, commitments of $33.95 million have been made to support over 1,088 units.
  • The Shared Equity Mortgage Providers (SEMP) supports existing shared equity mortgage providers. The program offers eligible proponents repayable loans from one of two funding streams:
    • Preconstruction Loans: Funding for preconstruction cost loans to commence new housing projects in which shared equity mortgages will be provided to homebuyers via SEMPs.
    • Shared Equity Mortgages: Allows SEMPs to fund shared equity mortgages that they provide directly to first time homebuyers.

Housing Accelerator Fund

Issue / question

How will the Housing Accelerator Fund increase housing supply?

Suggested response

  • Our government has launched a $4 billion initiative that will provide funding to cities, towns, and Indigenous governments to fast-track the creation of 100,000 new homes across Canada.
  • The Housing Accelerator Fund incentivizes local governments to remove barriers to new housing and support the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities.
  • As of September 2023, we have received over 544 applications from across the country. Approved applicants have flexibility in using their incentive funding to support housing in their communities.

Background

  • The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) provides incentive funding to local governments encouraging initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply. It also supports the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities that are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse.
  • Budget 2022 announced $4 billion in funding until 2026-27 to launch the HAF. The target is to create at least 100,000 net new housing units over the course of the initiative.
  • It will provide funding to local governments to incentivize local initiatives that remove barriers to housing supply, accelerate the growth of supply, and support the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities, which are affordable, inclusive, equitable, and diverse.
  • The HAF will also encourage local governments to implement lasting initiatives that reduce barriers to housing supply and development approvals, and over the long run, make housing more affordable to Canadians. The Fund is not directly providing funding for housing projects.
  • The HAF encourages local governments to implement initiatives that support complete communities, consisting of a broader range of land uses and housing types. The program also supports the creation of more affordable, inclusive, equitable, and diverse communities. It aims to incentivize local governments to create conditions where more homes can be built faster. It is expected that these homes will be across the entire housing continuum of all building types and will house more Canadians as a whole.
  • CMHC received feedback from smaller communities regarding challenges finalizing HAF applications within the application window. In recognition of these challenges, the application deadline was extended from August 18, 2023, to September 29, 2023, for Small/Rural/North/Indigenous communities who initiated draft applications in the CMHC Portal.
  • So far, the government has announced HAF agreements with 36 cities and the province of Quebec for a total of $3.2 billion and 71,200 units:
    • London ($74 million, 2000 units)
    • Calgary ($228 million, 6500 units)
    • Hamilton ($93 million, 2600 units)
    • Halifax ($79 million, 2600 units)
    • Kitchener ($47 million, 2000 units)
    • Vaughan ($59 million, 1700 units)
    • Kelowna ($31.5 million, 950 units)
    • Moncton ($15.5 million, 490 units)
    • Richmond Hill ($31 million, 780 units)
    • Brampton ($114 million, 3150 units)
    • Squamish ($7 million, 1300 units)
    • Vancouver ($115 million, 3200 units)
    • Mississauga ($113 million, 3000 units)
    • Burnaby ($43 million, 1290 units)
    • Winnipeg ($122 million, 3166 units)
    • Toronto ($471 million, 11780 units)
    • Iqaluit ($8.8 million, 160 units)
    • Nunavut ($27 million, 459 units)
    • Summerside ($5.8 million, 132 units)
    • Surrey ($95 million, 2800 units)
    • Guelph ($21 million, 739 units)
    • Burlington ($21 million, 600 units)
    • St. Catharines ($25.7 million, 700 units)
    • Saint John ($9 million, 285 units)
    • Kingston ($27.6 million, 900 units)
    • Ajax ($22 million, 580 units)
    • Milton ($22 million, 800 units)
    • Richmond ($35.9 million, 1000 units)
    • Fredericton ($10 million, 300 units)
    • Whitby ($25 million, 650 units)
    • Waterloo ($22 million, 650 units)
    • Regina ($35 million, 1070 units)
    • Coquitlam ($25 million, 660 units)
    • Charlottetown ($10 million, 300 units)
    • Abbotsford ($25.6 million, 730 units)
    • Ottawa ($176 million, 4450 units)
    • Province of Quebec ($900 million, 8000 units)

Apartment Construction Loan Program

Issue / question

What is the government doing to promote the supply of rental housing?

Suggested response

  • The Apartment Construction Loan Program encourages rental housing construction by providing low-cost loans to support projects in areas where there is a need for more rental supply.
  • The 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced additional funding of $15 billion in new loan funding for the Apartment Construction Loan Program, starting in 2025-26, to build more rental apartments faster.
  • I am pleased to report that as of September 30, 2023, we have supported the creation of almost 47,000 units of which close to 30,000 will be affordable.

Background

  • On November 21, 2023, the 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced the renaming of the Rental Construction Financing Initiative (RCFi) to the Apartment Construction Loan Program, with additional funding of $15 billion in new loan funding, starting in 2025-26, to build more rental apartments faster.
  • Funding is still available under the current RCFi. It provides low-cost loans to encourage the construction of rental housing across Canada, and supports sustainable apartment projects in areas where there is a need for additional rental supply.
  • The program focuses on standard apartment projects in Canada with general occupants.
  • Projects including social housing, student and retirement residences do not currently qualify for funding. Eligible projects must include affordable rental housing units and include resource efficiencies and accessibility features within the building design.
    • In January 2024, the government announced that the program would be reformed to enable it to offer low-cost loans to build more student housing on- and off-campus.
  • All projects must meet one of the affordability requirements and it should be maintained for at least 10 years.
  • At least 20% of units must have rents below 30% of the median total income of all families for the area, and the total residential rental income must be at least 10% below its gross achievable residential income.

Rapid Housing Initiative

Issue / question

What is the aim of the Rapid Housing Initiative?

Suggested response

  • The $4 billion Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) addresses urgent housing needs for vulnerable Canadians by rapidly creating new affordable housing.
  • The RHI provides capital contributions to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and/or acquisition of existing buildings for conversion. It prioritizes Canadians in severe housing need and vulnerable populations.
  • The RHI is creating over 15,500 new affordable units with over 5,000 new units supporting women and/or women and their children (36% of units), and over 6,000 new units supporting Indigenous Peoples (39% of units).

Background

Round 1

  • The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) was initially a $1 billion program to help address urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of affordable housing. The initial $1 billion investment is divided into two equal funding streams:
    • The Major Cities Stream provided $500 million in immediate support to 15 pre-determined municipalities that were identified in consultation with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
    • Under the $500 million Projects Stream, provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies and organizations, and non-profit organizations, could apply for funding by December 31, 2020. The RHI received a significant amount of interest, resulting in many quality applications that exceeded the available funding.

Round 2

  • Budget 2021 committed $1.5 billion for the RHI in 2021-22 to address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians by providing them with adequate affordable housing in short order. At least 25% of this funding would go towards women-focused housing projects.
  • $500 million was allocated to the Cities Stream and flowed to 30 pre‑determined municipalities.
  • $1 billion was allocated to unfunded eligible projects from Round 1.

Round 3

  • Budget 2022 provided $1.5 billion over two years, starting in 2022-23, to extend the RHI. This new funding is expected to create over 5,200 new affordable housing units, with 48% of units going towards women-focused housing projects.
  • The $500 million under the Cities Stream was allocated to 41 pre‑determined municipalities based on Census 2021 data of renters in severe housing need.
  • $1 billion under the Projects Stream was allocated via an applications-based process. Eligible applicants for this stream include provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies and organizations, and non-profit organizations.
  • In January 2024, the governments of Canada and New Brunswick and the City of Moncton announced over $6.7 million in funding, including $3.9 million through the third round of the RHI, to help build 46 new homes across two projects in Moncton.

Federal Lands Initiative

Issue / question

What is the Government doing to use federally owned land and properties to increase the supply of affordable, energy efficient and accessible housing?

Suggested response

  • The Federal Lands Initiative supports the transfer of surplus federal lands and buildings to eligible proponents. The properties can be discounted to as low as $1, depending on the level of social outcomes the proponent delivers.
  • Through this initiative, surplus federal properties across Canada are made available for partners to repurpose them into affordable housing.
  • As of September 30, 2023, we are on track to deliver more than 3,936 housing units through this initiative, with an additional 3,133 units under development.

Background

  • The Federal Lands Initiative (FLI) is a $200 million fund that supports the transfer of surplus federal lands and buildings to eligible proponents. This is available at discounted to no cost to be developed or renovated for use as affordable housing. The discount on the property will depend on the level of social outcomes achieved by the winning proposal. Once transferred, the property will be developed or renovated into affordable, sustainable, accessible, and socially inclusive housing.
  • The FLI was launched in 2018 with a target of making 4,000 suitable properties available to selected proponents over a 10-year period.
  • As of September 30, 2023, 22 agreements were signed representing a commitment of 3,936 units and $120.4 million in forgivable loans.
  • The FLI facilitates subsidies for the transfer of federal lands to housing providers to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments, and communities. Surplus federal properties across Canada will be made available through the new program to partners that repurpose them to provide housing at less-than-market rates. The partners will receive the federal properties at a value somewhere between market value and $1. The difference between market value and transfer value represents the government's contribution towards the provision of affordable housing.
  • Each housing project must meet the following National Housing Strategy requirements:
    • Affordability: 30% of units must have rents at less than 80% of local median market rents;
    • Energy efficiency: a minimum 25% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to either national building codes or past performance; and
    • Accessibility: 20% of units must meet accessibility standards.

Mortgage Insurance Programs

Issue / question

How are we promoting housing affordability and supporting an efficient competitive housing finance market for Canadians?

Suggested response

  • Our government is working hard to make sure that homeownership is possible for many Canadians. Through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) mortgage loan insurance programs, we help Canadians across the country in accessing homeownership while also supporting the stability of the housing market.
  • Saving up a 20% down payment is simply impossible for most Canadians. Mortgage loan insurance is an essential tool enabling Canadians to buy a home at interest rates that are comparable to those who have a higher down payment.
  • CMHC also uses mortgage loan insurance to drive housing supply by providing access to preferred interest rates for the construction, purchase, and refinancing of multi-unit residential properties.

Background

  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is committed to working with mortgage industry professionals to help homebuyers meet their housing needs and to provide a full range of mortgage loan insurance products for homeowner and small rental loans.
  • Benefits of CMHC's mortgage loan insurance:
    • Access to homeownership with a minimum down payment of 5%;
    • Access to competitive interest rates;
    • Flexible terms and conditions to meet a variety of financing needs; and
    • Products, training, solutions, and service available everywhere in Canada.
  • CMHC sets its premiums and retains enough capital to absorb any potential losses without the need for government support.
  • MLI Select is an innovative multi-unit mortgage loan insurance product focused on affordability, accessibility, and climate compatibility. It offers access to reduced premiums and longer amortization periods based on the level of commitment to affordability, accessibility, and climate compatibility.

Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act

Issue / question

What is the purpose of the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act?

Suggested response

  • Housing affordability and housing supply are real concerns for many Canadians. That is why our government, as of January 1, 2023, put in place a prohibition for foreign investors purchasing residential property in Canada which aims to ensure that housing is owned by Canadians, and those working to settle permanently in Canada instead of foreign investors.
  • The Act is a temporary response to housing affordability challenges experienced by Canadians, it prevents foreign commercial enterprises and people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents from purchasing residential property located in urban centres.
  • The Act has a $10,000 fine for anyone who violates it.

Background

  • The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act prevents non-Canadians from buying residential property in Canada for two years starting on January 1, 2023. The Act and Regulations provide exceptions.
  • The Act defines residential property as buildings with three homes or less, as well as parts of buildings like a semi-detached house or a condominium unit. The law does not prohibit the purchase of larger buildings with multiple units.
  • The Regulations clarify that the prohibition applies to residential property located in a census metropolitan area (CMA) or a census agglomeration (CA). A CMA must have a total population of at least 100,000 of which 50,000 or more must live in the core and a CA must have a core population of at least 10,000, as identified in the Statistics Canada's Standard Geographical Classification 2021.
  • The Act has a $10,000 fine for any non-Canadian or anyone who knowingly assists a non-Canadian and is convicted of violating the Act. If a court finds that a non-Canadian has done this, they may order the sale of the house.
  • This does not apply to non-Canadians who are looking to rent.

Housing Design Catalogue

Issue / question

What are the key aspects of the Housing Design Catalogue?

Suggested response

  • Our government is embracing fresh, innovative approaches to construct top-tier housing, aligning with our efforts to fortify infrastructure against climate challenges while rapidly enhancing Canada's housing inventory like never before.
  • This winter, consultations will begin on a Housing Design Catalogue initiative, building on the work already being done to address the challenges facing the housing sector. This new initiative aims to expedite home delivery by establishing standardized housing designs, commencing with low-rise construction.
  • The concept of a design catalogue will help to accelerate housing supply. It will guide the development of safe, affordable, sustainable, accessible, and culturally appropriate homes across the country.

Background

  • The Housing Design Catalogue is an innovative way to build high-quality housing, in line with our work to make infrastructure climate resilient, and boost Canada's housing supply at an unprecedented rate.
  • From the 1950s to 1970s, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation created a series of housing design catalogues to help Canada accelerate the production of housing. These efforts were an essential component of the comprehensive federal effort to build capacity in the construction sector and address post-war housing shortages.
  • The consultation process for the new Housing Design Catalogue will begin this winter. It will allow sufficient time to incorporate a wide range of perspectives from across the housing sector, including builders and developers, academics and community housing organizations.
  • Designs will consider similar characteristics to those that guide the development of the national model building code, such as safety, affordability, sustainability, accessibility, and cultural appropriateness. Designs will also be assessed on their ability to support the government's objective to accelerate the delivery of new housing supply – such as their cost, speed of delivery, and permissibility under local land-use policies.
  • The Government has prioritized taking urgent action in order to address the housing needs of Canadians. The concept of a design catalog has increasingly been identified by stakeholders across the housing sector as a possible tool to help accelerate housing supply. The timing of the December 2023 announcement was designed to capitalize on recent success the Government has had through tools such as the Housing Accelerator Fund in addressing barriers to new housing supply at the local level.

Housing-Infrastructure Links (Housing Conditionality)

Issue / question

How will the Government create links between housing and infrastructure?

Suggested response

  • Infrastructure and housing go hand in hand. This means building more housing near reliable transit lines that connect workers to jobs and help us build more complete, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
  • In 2023, we launched the $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund to remove local barriers to building more homes. That flexible funding will allow communities to upgrade the infrastructure necessary to build denser neighbourhoods.
  • So far, we have announced 27 agreements under the Housing Accelerator Fund, including recently with the City of Fredericton, New Brunswick, to provide $10 million to fast-track the creation of 300 additional housing units over the next three years, and build thousands more in the years to come.
  • Going forward, we will work with all orders of government, leveraging infrastructure programming such as the Canada Public Transit Fund and Canada Community-Building Fund, to ensure that these infrastructure investments enable growth of the right kind of housing that is affordable and meets the needs of our growing communities, while being in proximity to infrastructure assets and transit.

Background

  • Since Budget 2022, a major focus for Infrastructure Canada has been working towards the Government's commitment to leverage infrastructure funding to advance housing outcomes that can help address current and future supply and affordability challenges in a targeted way.
  • The Government of Canada is working to identify opportunities to implement the above approach to help future infrastructure programs become housing multipliers.
  • In March 2023, the Government of Canada announced the launch of the $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). This initiative will help cities, towns, and Indigenous governments unlock new housing supply by removing systemic barriers and speeding up development and approvals, including by fixing out-of-date permitting systems, introducing zoning reforms to build more density, or incentivizing more development in proximity to public transit.
  • In February 2021, the Prime Minister announced Canada's first permanent public transit funding envelope of $3 billion annually, beginning in 2026-27. Investments in public transit and active transportation support our government's agenda on promoting long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth – and can help tackle housing affordability challenges by incentivizing more housing supply near transit and enabling more people to choose transit over automobiles.
  • Infrastructure Canada is developing its next generation of infrastructure funding programs, including the Canada Public Transit Fund and the Canada Community-Building Fund, with the objective of linking these infrastructure investments to advancing housing supply and improving affordability across the country. Housing Needs Assessments will be key to this approach to ensure that the right kind of supply is built for those who need it the most and to maximize the ability of federal dollars to drive housing outcomes across the entire housing continuum in an evidence-based manner.

Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Act

Issue / question

How will the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Act help advance federal priorities related to housing and infrastructure?

Suggested response

  • Growing and vibrant Canadian communities require affordable homes supported by quality infrastructure such as public transit, modern water and wastewater systems, and community centres.
  • The Government of Canada is aligning itself to address the housing and infrastructure priorities of today and tomorrow.
  • The Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Act will formalize the current broadened mandate and structure of Infrastructure Canada, to include the addition of the housing and homelessness portfolio announced in 2021.
  • By integrating housing and infrastructure, the department is equipped to deliver on its broadened mandate to advance housing outcomes, reduce and prevent homelessness, and support and promote public infrastructure.

Background

  • Infrastructure Canada (INFC) has no enabling departmental legislation underpinning its mandate. Its role is currently set out in a 2004 Order in Council that allows for the Minister to enter into transfer payment agreements and contracts related to infrastructure initiatives in Canada.
  • Since its creation, INFC's mandate has expanded considerably, most recently in 2021 with the addition of housing and homelessness policy and program development.
  • The proposed Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Act sets out a clear federal role and integrated mandate to advance national housing outcomes, reduce and prevent homelessness, and support and promote public infrastructure to foster inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous communities.
  • The Act establishes a Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and a Minister of Housing, both supported by one department and one Deputy Minister. It sets out authorities that enable the current functions and responsibilities of the department, notably managing government programs, distributing funding, convening partners, conducting research, collecting, and publishing data, and establishing and remunerating advisory committees or councils.
  • Existing authorities assigned to other federal ministers would not be impacted by this legislation, and the mandates and authorities of other federal departments and agencies will remain unchanged.
  • The legislation will respect provincial and territorial jurisdiction regarding housing, infrastructure and communities. Legislation will help clarify the federal role in housing and infrastructure, while signaling the importance of greater collaboration with other levels of government.

Funding and Programs for Shelters

Issue / question

How will the National Housing Strategy support people who are victims of gender-based violence?

Suggested response

  • Providing a safe and secure space for people fleeing domestic violence is a priority for the Government of Canada.
  • With the work done under the National Housing Strategy and other initiatives, we have supported the creation or repair of over 13,100 shelter spaces since 2016.
  • We are investing over $724 million to expand culturally relevant supports for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who are escaping gender-based violence through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative. Since the launch of this initiative, 47 projects have been selected: 24 shelters and 23 transitional housing projects.

Background

  • The National Housing Strategy (NHS) prioritizes meeting the needs of vulnerable populations, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, and many of the initiatives under the National Housing Strategy will help women and single mothers. For example, the $13.2 billion Affordable Housing Fund (previously the National Housing Co-Investment Fund) provides capital contributions and low-cost loans for both new construction and repair and renewal of existing shelters across the country. Through the Affordable Housing Fund, the Government plans to help build and maintain at least 4,000 shelter spaces for survivors of family violence by 2028. As part of this commitment, Budget 2021 carved out $250 million from the Affordable Housing Fund, specifically for the construction and operating of shelters and transitional housing for women and girls fleeing violence.
  • The NHS promotes a whole of government collaboration and alignment of efforts across federal priorities, including the Gender-Based Analysis Plus initiative, Women and Gender Equality's Gender-based Violence Strategy and Employment and Social Development Canada's Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Seed funding program was also available to provide interest-free loans and/or non-repayable contributions for early development costs associated with the construction of shelters.
  • As part of the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $724.1 million available for a comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy to expand culturally relevant supports for:
    • Indigenous women and their children
    • 2SLGBTQQIA+ people facing gender-based violence
  • The NHS supports new shelters and transitional (second stage) housing across Canada for: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. CMHC will allocate $420 million from 2020-2025 to support the construction of new shelters and transitional housing.
  • Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) will invest $304.1 million from 2020-2025, and $96.6 million annually to:
    • support the operational costs of new shelters and transition homes
    • expand funding for culturally relevant violence prevention activities. For information on funding for these activities, please visit the website for Family Violence Prevention Program (sac-isc.gc.ca)

Indigenous Housing

Issue / question

How is the Government working with Indigenous communities to help address housing needs?

Suggested response

  • Our government is committed to improving Indigenous housing outcomes, and to building a new relationship together with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnerships.
  • We recognize that the Indigenous housing landscape is complex and that 87% of Indigenous households are located in urban, rural, and northern areas. That is why our government has committed more than $1.6 billion in funding through the National Housing Strategy exclusively for Indigenous and Northern Housing.
  • Budget 2023 allocated $4 billion for the implementation of an Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, totaling over $8 billion committed since 2022 to improve and expand Indigenous housing in Canada.
  • In January 2024, the federal government announced that it will be investing nearly $19 million through the third phase of the Rapid Housing Initiative's Project Stream to help build more than 50 new homes for Indigenous Peoples across the Northwest Territories.

Background

  • Funding was announced in successive federal budgets to support Indigenous housing across Canada – including First Nations living on reserve and in urban and rural communities, and in Inuit Nunangat and the North. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indigenous Services Canada focus on several aspects of providing housing programs and services for eligible First Nation communities.
  • CMHC delivers specific housing programs that support construction, renovations, ongoing management of social housing and housing-specific development. CMHC has specialists located across the country that are working with Indigenous partners, communities, and organizations to facilitate access to the National Housing Strategy and other CMHC programs. For example:
    • CMHC's On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program (Section 95) assists First Nations in the construction, purchase and rehabilitation and administration of rental housing on-reserve.
    • CMHC's On-Reserve Renovation Programs offer financial assistance to First Nations to repair substandard homes to a minimum level of health and safety, to convert non-residential properties into affordable self-contained housing units, and improve the accessibility of housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities.
    • CMHC's Shelter Enhancement Program on-reserve offers financial assistance for the repair, rehabilitation, and improvement of existing shelters in First Nation communities for survivors of family violence.
  • Budget 2022 proposed $4.3 billion over seven years towards improving and expanding Indigenous housing in Canada, which includes:
    • $2.4 billion over five years to support First Nations housing on reserves;
    • $565 million over five years to support housing in Self-Governing and Modern Treaty Holder First Nations communities;
    • $845 million over seven years to support housing in Inuit communities;
    • $190 million over seven years for housing in Métis communities; and
    • $300 million over five years to co-develop and launch an Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.
  • Budget 2023 committed an additional $4 billion, over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement a co-developed Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.
  • A Request for Proposals was launched in January 2024 to offer an open and transparent opportunity for interested Indigenous-led organizations to be considered to lead the establishment of a For Indigenous By Indigenous National Indigenous Housing Centre.

Accessible Housing

Issue / question

What is the Government doing to help Canadians have access to accessible housing regardless of their physical or other abilities?

Suggested response

  • Our housing programs prioritize projects that include accessibility features and that are located close to transit, services, and supports, and employment opportunities.
  • Projects funded under several of our programs must have either universal or barrier-free designs, or include common areas that meet or exceed local accessibility requirements.
  • Since 2018, we contributed to creating, maintaining or repairing more than 36,000 units of accessible housing in Canada. As of September 30, 2023, we have repaired over 1,400 and built over 4,300 accessible units.
  • The new Housing design catalogue initiative announced in December 2023 will help to address the most urgent housing needs of Canadians and will also support the government's objective to make housing more accessible, sustainable and affordable.

Background

Affordable Housing Innovation Fund

  • Minimum 10% of units must be accessible.
  • Priority given to projects within 500 to 1,000 meters of transit or services.

Apartment Construction Loan Program (previously the Rental Construction Financing Initiative)

  • Minimum 10% of units and all common areas must meet or exceed local accessibility requirements.
  • Higher priority given to projects with access to public transit.

Affordable Housing Fund (previously the National Housing Co-Investment Fund)

  • Minimum 20% of units must meet or exceed accessibility standards, and all projects must also have a barrier-free or universal design.
  • Higher priority given to projects near transit.

Rapid Housing Initiative

  • Modular and new construction projects funded through the Cities Stream had to provide at least 5% more accessible units than set out by their local accessibility requirements. For projects funded through the Projects Stream, higher priority was given to projects exceeding their local accessibility requirements.

Community Housing

Issue / question

What is the Government doing to help preserve units for low-income households living in community housing when operating agreements expire?

Suggested response

  • Our government is taking concrete actions to ensure that Canada's community housing stock remains affordable and viable well into the future. That is why we are providing $4.3 billion to provinces and territories through the Canada Community Housing Initiative to maintain affordability for 330,000 households in community housing across the country and create more.
  • We are also investing over $618 million over 10 years through the Federal Community Housing Initiative to support community housing providers across the country. As of September 30, 2023, more than 49,000 community units, including low-income community units, have been supported.
  • The 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced an investment of $309.3 million in new funding for the Co-operative Housing Development Program that is under co-development and will launch in 2024.

Background

  • The Canada Community Housing Initiative provides predictable, long-term funding to protect, regenerate and expand social and community housing, including social housing under legacy programs for urban Indigenous households in need. It is an initiative cost-matched and delivered by the provinces and territories, for $8,6 billion that will maintain approximately 330,000 households in community housing nationally.
  • Housing providers with expiring agreements that apply for new funding under the Federal Community Housing Initiative (FCHI) need to meet minimum requirements under a new agreement related to the depth and duration of affordability, social inclusion, asset management, and governance, and ensure that projects are charging adequate rents relative to tenant incomes.
  • The FCHI has two components: rental assistance and temporary transitional assistance. Rental assistance is offered to housing providers to ensure low-income households continue to receive rental support to help reduce or eliminate their housing needs.
  • In Phase 1 of the FCHI, which was launched in April 2018, federally administered community housing providers with long-term operating agreements that ended between April 1, 2016, and February 28, 2020, continued to receive the same level of subsidy provided under existing agreements until March 31, 2020.
  • Phase 2 is not an extension or continuation of other programs or of these prior agreements. It provides rental assistance funding from September 1, 2020, until March 31, 2028.
  • The 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced an investment of $309.3 million in new funding for the Co-operative Housing Development Program, which was announced in Budget 2022. This new program will be co-designed with the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada and the co-operative housing sector. Co-operatives offers quality, affordable housing to Canadians and empowers their members through inclusive environments, personal development, and security of tenure through their community-oriented housing model.
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