Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers’ Forum on Housing

November 1, 2016  – Ottawa, Ontario – Federal, Provincial and Territorial Housing Ministers

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.

Quotes

“A National Housing Strategy will set ambitious outcomes for all levels of government to work towards. I am confident that through mutual respect and collaboration with the provinces and territories, and engagement with National Indigenous Organizations and municipalities, we will be in a position to significantly improve the lives of Canadians through better, more affordable housing and more vibrant, inclusive communities. ”

– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

"Provinces and territories are the  primary partners with the federal government in developing a National Housing Strategy  that ensures all Canadians have access to safe, affordable and appropriate  housing. It's imperative that we work collaboratively in new and innovative  ways to increase housing and rental supply across Canada."

 – The Honourable Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier and Minister  Responsible for Housing, Government of British Columbia

Quebec stated that:
While  it shares many of the objectives sought by the other provinces and territories  in the area of housing, Quebec will not be able to join a national housing  strategy at this time, unless the strategy fully respects Quebec's programs and  jurisdiction in the matter. In Quebec's view, the current approach raises major  challenges in this regard. Quebec, however, will continue to participate in the  process of developing a national housing strategy through sharing of information  and best practices.

Related links:

   
• Let's  Talk Housing (https://www.letstalkhousing.ca)

Media Contacts

Mathieu Filion
Director of  Communications
Office of the  Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of  Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546
mathieu.filion@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Charles Sauriol
Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
613-748-2734
csauriol@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Province of BC Contact

Lindsay Byers
Ministry of Natural Gas  Development and Responsible for Housing
Government Communications and  Public Engagement
250-952-0617
Lindsay.Byers@gov.bc.ca 

From  left to right: The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh (NL&LAB), The  Honourable Lori Sigurdson (AB), The Honourable Scott Fielding (MB), The  Honourable Joanne Bernard (NS), The Honourable Chris Ballard (ON), The  Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos (CA), The  Honourable Rich Coleman (BC), The  Honourable Tina M. Mundy (PE), The Honourable Stephen Horsman (NB), The  Honourable Tina Beaudry-Mellor (SK), The  Honourable Caroline Cochrane (NT)