Purpose

The Affordable Housing Program is designed to address the growing housing affordability crisis by improving access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Housing affordability is a pressing issue in many Canadian cities, where rental and home ownership costs have far outpaced wage growth. The program is aligned with Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) and aims to reduce core housing need, prevent homelessness, and promote inclusive, sustainable communities.

Objectives

  1. Increase Supply of Affordable Housing
    Support the development and preservation of affordable rental and ownership housing units, especially in high-demand urban areas.
  2. Support Vulnerable Populations
    Provide targeted housing solutions for groups at higher risk of housing instability, including seniors, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, newcomers, single-parent families, and people experiencing homelessness.
  3. Enhance Housing Affordability
    Reduce the cost burden on households spending more than 30% of their income on housing.
  4. Foster Collaboration
    Promote partnerships between all levels of government, non-profit housing providers, Indigenous organizations, private developers, and community groups.

Key Activities

  1. Funding and Grants for Housing Projects
    Provide capital funding, low-interest loans, and grants to non-profits, co-operatives, and municipalities for the construction or renovation of affordable housing units.
  2. Rent Supplement and Subsidy Programs
    Offer rent-geared-to-income (RGI) subsidies or portable housing benefits to eligible households to bridge the gap between market rents and what they can afford.
  3. Housing Support Services
    Integrate wraparound services—such as counseling, financial literacy training, and employment support—for program participants to maintain long-term housing stability.
  4. Indigenous-Led Housing Initiatives
    Fund and support Indigenous communities in developing culturally appropriate housing solutions through self-determined approaches.
  5. Public Education and Advocacy
    Raise awareness about affordable housing needs and advocate for policy reforms at provincial and municipal levels.

Expected Outcomes

  1. Increased Availability of Affordable Housing Units
    A measurable increase in affordable housing stock across Canada, particularly in high-demand regions such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
  2. Reduced Core Housing Need
    A decrease in the percentage of Canadian households experiencing core housing need, especially among vulnerable groups.
  3. Improved Housing Stability
    Greater long-term housing stability and quality of life for program beneficiaries through access to both housing and support services.
  4. Stronger Community Integration
    Enhanced social inclusion and community participation among low-income families, newcomers, and marginalized populations.
  5. Policy Innovation and Replication
    Development of innovative housing solutions that can be scaled and replicated across provinces, supported by data collection and performance evaluation.

By focusing on both physical housing solutions and supportive programming, the Affordable Housing Program seeks to not only provide shelter but also empower individuals to thrive. Ultimately, it supports the Canadian government’s broader vision of ensuring “everyone in Canada has a home that they can afford and that meets their needs.”