A coalition of leading Canadian organizations from across the housing system has come together to propose a policy plan to build resiliency, safeguard the housing industry, and protect Canadians.
The plan is in response to the trade war launched by the Trump administration, which will have a direct, negative impact on the Canadian housing market.
The coalition includes the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH), the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Habitat for Humanity Canada, and the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA).
The coalition says the trade war will strain Canada’s economy and labour market, and worsen unaffordability, which will further drive housing insecurity and more Canadians into homelessness.
“Tariffs will significantly disrupt the economy and the supply chains necessary for building affordable homes, putting additional strain on families already facing housing insecurity,” said Pedro Barata, president & CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada.
The plan identifies 10 actionable pillars aimed at responding to the challenges at hand:
- Create an immediate housing safety net for Canadians.
- Protect renters from falling into homelessness.
- Double the share of community housing.
- Ensure access to the land and infrastructure required to build communities.
- Create resilient housing material supply chains.
- Develop a housing skills agenda for Canada.
- Reform taxes to facilitate homebuilding.
- Streamline permissions to facilitate homebuilding.
- Accelerate innovation to build faster, less expensive and better homes.
- Rapidly expand Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing.
“As we confront the realities of a housing crisis, mounting economic pressures and the resulting threat of surging homelessness, it’s imperative we unite as a sector to propose and implement the solutions Canadians need,” said Tim Richter, president, and CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. “This plan is more than just a response; it is a commitment to building a resilient housing system that works for everyone.”
The coalition stands ready to engage with all stakeholders and governments to advance this plan, ensuring swift and comprehensive action to protect Canadians and our housing systems.
