Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for housing met in Vancouver on Monday to address key issues around affordability and homelessness, with Ontario set to assume a leadership role in the national forum next year.
The meeting was co-chaired by federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson and Manitoba’s Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith. Manitoba’s two-year term as provincial and territorial co-chair of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Forum on Housing ends in December, with Ontario to take over for the following two years beginning in January.
The forum focused on how governments can work together to expand deeply affordable, supportive and transitional housing, while removing barriers that slow down new housing supply. Ministers also discussed Build Canada Homes, a proposed federal organization that would be dedicated to tackling housing challenges and advancing long-term affordable housing solutions across the country.
Robertson said collaboration across governments is crucial. “We are taking a Team Canada approach to transforming our housing systems and making housing more affordable across the country. This meeting is part of our commitment to building bold, building strong, and building together alongside provinces and territories,” he said.
Smith said the discussions highlighted the importance of renewing agreements that underpin federal, provincial and territorial housing partnerships. ”As primary partners in housing, provinces and territories are committed to continue working with the federal government to increase access to housing where needed most, and we are encouraged by today’s discussion regarding renewing partnerships on affordable housing beyond the expiry of the National Housing Strategy. All provinces and territories, including Manitoba, have unique housing needs and we look forward to expediting these conversations as we work collaboratively with our federal partners on a renewed vision for housing,” she said.
The meeting built on commitments made earlier this year at the First Ministers’ Meeting and under the National Housing Strategy. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working together on affordable housing projects, supporting Indigenous-led solutions, and exploring new approaches such as modular and prefabricated construction.
Ministers concluded by pledging ongoing collaboration and collective action to respond to Canada’s housing crisis.
