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Temporary rental assistance for pre-April 2016 federal co-ops

Published February 01, 2021

CMHC has announced the immediate launch of temporary rental assistance for co-operatives, under federally-funded and administered programs ended prior to April 1, 2016.

This funding will provide up to 12 months of rental assistance for co-ops excluded from the Federal Community Housing Initiative (FCHI), so they can reduce housing charges for vulnerable members. Approximately 300 co-ops with 8,000 units in BC, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and PEI are eligible, as well as a number of non-profit housing operators in a similar situation. This announcement was made possible by CHF Canada advocacy.

CMHC has recognized that these co-ops and non-profit providers have been at risk as they have been struggling to find other patchwork funding.

“We are very pleased by this news which closes the final gap in our ‘You Hold the Key’ campaign objectives,” said CHF Canada President Tina Stevens. “Supporting vulnerable households is more important than ever, so we thank Minister Hussen for this decision.”

“While it is only one-time 12-month funding, it’s very positive to see the federal government recognize the importance of rental assistance,” said CHF Canada Executive Director Tim Ross. “We look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to advocate for long-term rental assistance.”


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