OTTAWA, Canada – In 2017 the Federal government of Canada launched the National Housing Strategy (NHS) and in 2018 the Province of Ontario signed the bilateral agreement on housing.
Yesterday, Adam Vaughan, parliamentary secretary to the minister of families, children and social development and minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with Steve Clark, Ontario’s minister of municipal affairs and housing, announced that both governments will provide direct affordability support to Ontarians who are in housing need. The joint investment of $1.4 billion will be the first under the Canada Housing Benefit.
The announcement demonstrates a shared commitment between Canada and Ontario to prioritize making housing affordable for Ontarians.
“Our government knows how important it is for the people of Ontario to have housing they can afford. We are working with the federal government to deliver on provincial priorities – including making housing more affordable. The new Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit will give more options to people who are looking for housing that meets their needs and their budgets. The best results come from working together and that includes all levels of government,” said Clark.
“Through the National Housing Strategy, more middle-class Canadians – and people working hard to join it – will find safe, accessible and affordable homes. The Canada Housing Benefit is a key pillar of the National Housing Strategy that will help families across Canada. Together, we will build strong communities where Canadians can prosper and thrive, now and for the future,” – said minister Ahmed Hussen, minister of families, children and social development and minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
“For the first time in a generation, the federal government is back into affordable housing with our National Housing Strategy. The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit is a key component in developing an ambitious 10-year plan for the housing sector to make real progress for Canadians. I am committed to working with all levels of government to ensure that our communities have access to safe, affordable, and stable housing,” Catherine McKenna, minister and infrastructure and communities, member of parliament for Ottawa Centre.
The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit builds on the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy which will provide more than $5.75 billion to protect, renew and expand social and community housing, and support Ontario’s priorities related to housing repair, construction, and affordability.
