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Throne Speech mentions several housing objectives, including partnering with co-ops

Published September 24, 2020

This week the government presented its throne speech which outlines priorities for the next Parliamentary session.

CHF Canada welcomed the speech, and the government’s commitment to develop mid- and long-term partnerships with not-for-profits and housing co-ops. We also supported the government’s promises to end chronic homelessness, and investments in housing for Indigenous Peoples and northern communities.

This is the time for ambitious, public investments in people and in communities. This is the time to invest in permanent affordable housing across Canada.

The co-op housing sector is well positioned to drive efficient and effective housing solutions that will address affordability challenges for Canadians, while providing critical economic stimulus for the country in the midst of a public health emergency and economic recession.

We will continue to advocate for:

  • Long-term rental assistance programs with provincial and federal governments
  • Investments in co-op and non-profit housing
  • An “affordable housing first” approach to government surplus lands
  • Enhancing the National Housing Strategy to better meet the needs of housing co-operatives

A housing system that works for all Canadians must include more co-operative housing.


“To keep building strong communities, over the next two years the Government will also invest in all types of infrastructure, including public transit, energy efficient retrofits, clean energy, rural broadband, and affordable housing, particularly for Indigenous Peoples and northern communities.”

This week, the Government invested more than $1 billion for people experiencing homelessness, including for this fall.

In 2017, the Government announced that it would reduce chronic homelessness by 50 percent. The Government has already helped more than a million people get a safe and affordable place to call home. Given the progress that has been made, and our commitment to do more, the Government is now focused on entirely eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada.

At the same time, the Government will also make substantial investments in housing for Canadians.

The Government will add to the historic National Housing Strategy announced in 2017 by increasing investments to rapid housing in the short term, and partnering with not-for-profits and co-ops in the mid- to long-term. For the middle class, the Government will also move forward with enhancements to the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, including in Canada’s largest cities, so families can afford to buy their first home.

Housing is something everyone deserves, and it’s also a key driver of the economy. Construction projects create jobs, and having a home is critical so people can contribute to their communities.”


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