Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Advance National Housing Strategy

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for housing met today to advance the development of a National Housing Strategy for Canada that will build on a strong housing foundation.

Continuing the progress achieved at their June meeting in Victoria, ministers discussed a shared vision for housing in Canada:

Canadians have housing that meets their needs and they can afford. Housing is a cornerstone of sustainable, healthy and inclusive communities and a strong Canadian economy where we can prosper and thrive.

The Ministers discussed their shared long-term aspirations to improve housing affordability and reduce homelessness across Canada. They also discussed more specific outcomes of a National Housing Strategy that would improve housing conditions and affordability for the most vulnerable, including those with distinct needs, Indigenous peoples and those in Canada's three territories. The proposed outcomes would also contribute to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and increased social and economic participation of low income households.

The outcomes of a National Housing Strategy and the details of a federal, provincial, and territorial partnership will be established through a multi-lateral framework to be developed in 2017.

Federal, provincial and territorial housing ministers agreed to work together in a way that recognizes provinces and territories as primary partners in the development and delivery of a National Housing Strategy and recognizes the importance of collaboration in achieving the best possible outcomes.

Consultations with Canadians, including National Indigenous Organizations, municipalities, housing experts and national stakeholders, have yielded significant feedback on a wide range of housing themes.

The results of what was heard will be released on National Housing Day, November 22, 2016. A National Housing Strategy framework will be made public in 2017.