The Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA) congratulates Minister Gregor Robertson and the Government of Canada on the launch of the new federal agency, Build Canada Homes, and on the appointment of its inaugural Chief Executive Officer, Ana Bailão. Ms. Bailão’s experience working with non-market and community housing organizations will be invaluable as Build Canada Homes establishes itself and works to deliver on its ambitious mandate.
Canada stands at a critical crossroads on housing. With economic uncertainty rising, and families across the country worried about their future, we must rise to the challenge: ensuring every person has a safe, secure place to call home while creating good jobs by building the homes our communities urgently need.
The creation of Build Canada Homes signals a renewed federal commitment to building housing at speed and scale, while ensuring it is truly affordable and responsive to the diverse needs of communities across the country. CHRA is pleased to see that the federal government is listening to the community housing sector, and we look forward to working together to strengthen Canada’s housing system.
Prime Minister Carney and Minister Robertson emphasized the importance of expanding the non-market community housing sector. By making this the core focus of Build Canada Homes, the government is ensuring that new supply will truly be affordable for lower-income and working-class people. The early prioritization of transitional and supportive housing also demonstrates a welcome focus on reaching those who need support the most.
CHRA is also encouraged by the inclusion of the Canada Rental Protection Fund under Build Canada Homes. Scaling up non-market housing will not be achieved through new construction alone: we must also stabilize rents and protect tenancies in existing rental homes by supporting non-profit, co-operative, and Indigenous housing providers to purchase those properties.
As the national voice for the community housing sector, CHRA and our members welcome the government’s clear willingness to a Team Canada approach in tackling the housing crisis. Our sector has ambition, expertise, and the capacity to deliver results. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with Build Canada Homes to ensure its success. Together, we can deliver the affordable homes Canadians need, build Canada strong, and ensure that our housing system is resilient, equitable, and sustainable for decades to come.
CHRA and its members look forward to working closely with Ana Bailão and the Build Canada Homes team to deliver truly affordable housing to people who need it most.