Logo - CHF Canada
Home / Resolutions / National / Resolution 2: Investing in co-op housing to support households and the economy 2025 Annual Meeting: Toronto

Resolution 2: Investing in co-op housing to support households and the economy

SUBMITTED BY: CHF Canada Board of Directors

CONTACT: Sarah Jensen
Chair, Resolutions Committee, CHF Canada
311 – 225 Metcalfe Street
Ottawa, ON  K2P 1P9
boardofdirectors@chfcanada.coop

WE RESOLVE:

  1. THAT CHF Canada communicate to governments the direct and positive impacts that happen when co-op housing is developed, acquired and repaired, which are important for both households and the economy;
  2. AND THAT CHF Canada communicate to governments, partners, media and the public that even though we are in an uncertain economic situation, the co-op housing sector is ready to work with governments to build, acquire and repair co-op housing to support the economy by creating jobs and lessen the impact on households.

OUR REASONS FOR THIS RESOLUTION ARE:

  1. With the threat of a global trade war, we are in a period of deeply uncertain economic times, where a recession is possible.
  2. The construction industry is indispensable to the economy, but it may face a significant downturn. Public investment in the construction and repair of acquired co-op and non-profit housing can keep the industry going, with tradespeople employed and related jobs secure.
  3. The federal government’s response to the 2008 financial crisis was to invest almost $2 billion in the construction and repair of social housing between 2009 and 2011, which had many positive outcomes.
  4. Difficult economic times may result in a higher than usual volume of rental buildings for sale. In this scenario, public investment can support the purchase and repair of those buildings by co-ops. This will protect existing renters right away and secure housing outcomes in the long run by significantly growing the co-operative housing sector. It will also immediately produce jobs through repairs, as well as help those needing to sell.

WE THINK THAT THIS WILL COST:

The approach outlined by this resolution can be undertaken in the communications and advocacy activities planned for in the 2025 and 2026 operating budgets.