Resolution 3: Readying the co-op housing sector for the next federal election

SUBMITTED BY: CHF Canada Board of Directors 

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

WE RESOLVE:

1. THAT CHF Canada advance the principles of Co-op Housing for All during the next federal election; 
2. THAT, in particular, CHF Canada calls on the next federal government to prioritize and robustly fund the growth of co-op housing through both new construction and acquisition; continued, deep and dedicated investment in housing for Indigenous communities in urban, rural and northern communities developed and delivered by the Indigenous housing sector; and permanent rental assistance; 
3. THAT during the election campaign, by highlighting the co-operative identity, CHF Canada works to ensure that parties, candidates and voters understand the distinct value of co-operative housing as a key solution to the housing crisis; 
4. THAT during the election campaign, CHF Canada works to ensure that parties, candidates and voters understand that the co-operative housing sector has the capacity and willingness to develop new co-operative homes with the next federal government; 
5. AND THAT CHF Canada work with partners and members to achieve these goals. 

OUR REASONS FOR THIS RESOLUTION ARE:

1. A federal election must be held by or on October 20, 2025. However, governments can decide to call an election before the scheduled date. As well, as the current government holds a minority of the seats in Parliament, it is possible that opposition parties could trigger an election if they do not support the government on a matter of confidence. As such, it is unclear when the next federal election will be held. The co-operative housing sector must prepare itself now to engage in the federal campaign. 
2. Having this resolution in place will demonstrate to federal parties, candidates and voters the vision, priorities and capacity of the co-operative housing sector, whenever the election occurs. 
3. Having this resolution in place will help position the existing work of CHF Canada staff – whether that is in development, communications, member engagement or other areas – to ensure it connects to the all-hands-on-deck approach to election engagement that is required. 
4. Working with partners and members will be critical to the success of engaging in the election, just as it was through the Vote Housing campaign in the 2021 federal election. CHF Canada may participate a collaborative election campaign, including potentially a refreshed Vote Housing campaign, if doing so enables us to best achieve the goals outlined in this resolution. 

WE THINK THAT THIS WILL COST:

Funding for federal election engagement is included in the preliminary 2025 operating budget.