Resolution 1: Call for Permanent Funding for Rental Assistance

WE RESOLVE:  

1. THAT CHF Canada support co-ops to engage in the national “You Hold the Key” campaign for the continuation of rental assistance, as one of the campaign goals is to establish long-term rental assistance as a permanent component of federal housing funding. Advocacy to secure a program of permanent funding for rental assistance to keep co-ops sustainable must be escalated urgently. This ongoing financial support is essential to maintaining housing security, affordability, and equity for future generations; 
2. THAT CHF Canada call on provincial and territorial governments, with equal urgency, to provide permanent rental assistance relevant for co-op members; 
3. THAT CHF Canada promote to all federal and provincial parties the value of the co-op housing model in addressing the critical shortage of affordable housing;  
4. AND THAT CHF Canada work with local communities, regional federations, and other sector partners to build support for these goals. 

OUR REASONS FOR THIS RESOLUTION ARE:  

1. CHF Canada members supported advocacy for long-term rental assistance as a priority for CHF Canada’s core activities and communications in Resolution 1 at the 2021 AGM. Again in 2023, with Resolution 4, CHF Canada members supported making long-term rental assistance a permanent component of federal funding for housing nationwide. 
2. With phase 2 of the Federal Community Housing Initiative (FCHI-2) set to expire on March 31, 2028 — less than two years from now — co-ops in this program are in a very precarious position and are finding it difficult to plan responsibly. Members who rely on this assistance, who are among the most vulnerable in our communities, face an uncertain future, including the possibility of economic eviction. FCHI-2 is available to housing co-ops in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island. 
3. Housing co-ops in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut must access rental assistance programs through their provincial or territorial government. Advocacy to secure a program of permanent funding for rental assistance for these co-ops must also be undertaken. 
4. All political parties must understand their obligation to recognize housing as a human right. Permanent long-term rental assistance is necessary to help make this right a reality. 
5. Housing co-operatives provide safe, affordable housing and a sense of community. Co-op members take pride in their homes, which are governed by member-elected Boards of Directors and managed by staff who treat all members with dignity and uphold standards that meet their needs. These community-based housing solutions provide vital stability to a quarter of a million Canadians.
    

WE THINK THAT THIS WILL COST:  

This work can be undertaken within the 2026-2027 operating budgets. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS  (X) SUPPORT    (  ) NON-SUPPORT (  ) NEUTRAL  

BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMENTS:  

Government-provided rental assistance is essential for the healthy and inclusive functioning of mixed-income co-operative housing. It should be available to co-ops in support of low and moderate-income members no matter which province/territory they are located in.  This resolution’s calls are aligned with advocacy that CHF Canada is undertaking through its You Hold the Key campaign. Adopting this resolution will underscore the broad base of support for this campaign and its goal of renewing rental assistance for the long-term.