Can Canada afford NOT to have a national housing plan?

This year alone, the federal government is cutting 39% of its main housing spending – about $1.2 billion. In the next few years, the federal government will cut even more spending, sharply reduce the number of households assisted under federal programs, and continue the erosion of key programs.

The year 2014 will see the “scheduled termination” of several important housing and homelessness programs. Over the past two years, the federal government has reported that its affordable housing investments have had a significant impact, generating new and renovated homes, jobs and other economic activity.

The swings up and down in federal housing investments have a knock-on effect at the provincial and municipal level. Most provinces and territories pass-through the federal dollars to local projects, and often match the federal investments with their own spending. So, a cut in federal dollars means an even sharper drop in communities across the country as matching provincial / territorial dollars are lost, as well.

Since the dismantling of Canada’s national housing plan in the 1990s, mass homelessness has increased, housing insecurity is rising and the impact on the health of individual and communities is profound.

In this webinar, Michael Shapcott will review current issues on the housing policy landscape in Canada, and key concerns on the horizon.

Advisor on Tap:
Michael Shapcott
Director, Housing and Innovation,
Wellesley Institute