2025 Federal Election Housing Platforms

Canada went to the polls on 28 April. In the run up to the election we shared this bulletin, which compares the leading parties' plans for housing.

2024 Fall Economic Statement

On December 16, 2024, the Government of Canada released the 2024 Fall Economic Statement. The budget for this year delivers the next phase of the government’s economic plan to help create good jobs, build more homes and make life more affordable.

Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund

The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund will fund capital and planning projects aimed at building new, or expanding or rehabilitating existing drinking water, wastewater, stormwater or solid waste infrastructure to enable more housing. This bulletin explains the two streams under which you can apply for funding.

Apartment Construction Loan Program

CMHC has issued updates to the Apartment Construction Loan Program. The Program introduces three new streams: Standard Rental, Seniors Housing and Student Housing. In this bulletin, EllisDon Community Builders provides an overview of the newly introduced streams and how they might impact new developments.

Enhanced Affordable Housing Fund

CMHC has issued updates regarding the Affordable Housing Fund (“AHF”). The Enhanced Affordable Housing Fund introduces three new streams: New Construction: Community Housing Sub-Stream, New Construction: Rapid Housing Sub-Stream, and Repair and Renewal.

Federal Lands Initiative Update

The Federal Lands Initiative is a $316.9 million program designed to facilitate the transfer or leasing of surplus federal lands and buildings to eligible applicants. These properties are made available at reduced prices or, in some cases, at no cost, with the objective of transforming them into affordable housing.

CMHC Co-op Housing Development Program

This bulletin summarizes the CMHC's latest update to the Co-operative Housing Development program.

The update includes information on funding options, approval processes, and timelines for co-operative housing initiatives.

CMHC Insurance Update

CMHC has issued updates regarding the current Multi-Unit Mortgage Loan Insurance program. The updates change refinancing criteria, project classification, MLI Select Criteria, amortization extension, use of lender correspondents, and environmental site contamination requirements.

This bulletin from EllisDon Community Builders summarizes aspects of the updates that might affect you.

2024 Federal Budget

In April 2024, the Government of Canada delivered the 2024 Federal Budget: Fairness For Every Generation. The budget for this year focuses on building more affordable homes by increasing funding and introducing new initiatives to ensure equal opportunities for all Canadians. This bulletin from EllisDon Community Builders provides a summary of proposed measures.

Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act

As housing continues to be unattainable for many, the Government of Ontario says Bill 185 focuses on providing solutions to support the construction of more housing units, and to meet the Ontario Housing Supply Action Plan target of building 1.5M homes by 2031. This bulletin highlights the solutions being proposed in Bill 185.

Fall Economic Statement

The Government of Canada has released its 2023 Fall Economic Statement: Building a strong economy that works for everyone. The budget for this year delivers the next phase of the government’s economic plan to help create good jobs, build more homes, and make life more affordable. This bulletin from EllisDon Community Builders provides a summary of Canada’s Housing Action Plan.

CMHC Housing Shortages in Canada

In September 2023, the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation (“CMHC”) released a report on its assessment of the estimated Housing Supply shortage in Canada. CMHC updated last year’s estimate of how much housing supply is required to reach the target set out for 2030, which was for Canada to achieve levels of affordability last seen around 2004.