Federal election

As our meeting was taking place in the middle of a federal election, CHF Canada invited each of the major parties to speak to delegates in the national business meeting about their policies on affordable housing. The Bloc Québécois and the New Democratic Party both sent representatives, the Liberal Party sent a letter outlining the policy, and the Conservatives were not able to attend the business meeting but their housing critic met with members of our Board of Directors before the meeting.

International development

Members got to hear about work being done to build housing co‑ops in Zimbabwe. Barbara Kohlo, executive director of Housing People of Zimbabwe talked about how this not-for-profit organization is creating and maintaining a vibrant, sustainable housing co‑operative movement in Zimbabwe. HPZ works to assist people of limited means in building and maintaining affordable housing for themselves. HPZ offers housing cooperatives financial consultation, management training and technical services. This work is assisted by Rooftops Canada/Abri International.