Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. On National Housing Day, we reaffirm our commitment to solving Canada's housing crisis by working with all levels of government to build more affordable housing, ensuring every Canadian has a place to call home.
Central to that work, the Government of Canada is stepping up with the recently launched Build Canada Homes, new federal agency with a mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Build Canada Homes will also help fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing - working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. By leveraging public lands, deploying flexible financial tools, and acting as a catalyst for modern methods of construction, Build Canada Homes is driving a more productive and innovative homebuilding sector.
Today, Build Canada Homes released its Investment Policy Framework, marking a major step forward in how the Government of Canada invests in affordable housing. The framework outlines the agency's priorities, investment principles, and eligibility criteria-setting the foundation for a new, flexible, and outcome-driven approach to housing delivery-that will deliver on affordable housing in communities across the country.
Build Canada Homes is designed to be a solutions-focused partner, working with non-profits, Indigenous partners, private developers, and governments at all levels to accelerate housing construction, unlock projects and scale up innovative solutions.
Under the Investment Policy Framework, Build Canada Homes will prioritize projects that include the following features:
- Ready to Build: Construction ready to begin within 12 months
- Affordability: Depth and duration of affordability that meets local needs, supports community stability and creates capacity in non-profit housing
- Innovation & Speed: Leverage modern construction methods like modular and factory-built housing to cut costs and speed up delivery
- Strong Partnership: Collaborative projects and bundled submissions for regional impact
- Made in Canada: Use Canadian materials to strengthen supply chains and support local manufacturing
Interested proponents will soon be able to submit their proposals via the Build Canada Homes portal, launching in late November.
To mark National Housing Day, and the release of the Investment Policy Framework, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, will tour a co-operative housing development site in Coquitlam later today.
On National Housing Day, we recognize the work of advocates who have been unwavering in their push for more affordable homes across Canada. The release of the Investment Policy Framework is just the beginning. Build Canada Homes is inviting partners from across the country to work together on solutions that deliver more homes, faster. By combining generational investments in housing with innovation and collaboration, we can give life to projects that will enable thriving communities and make housing more affordable for Canadians.
