CHF Canada media release

Where do the Parties stand on housing?

Previous release     Media release index     Next release

October 7, 2008 – A new report from the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada outlines the election promises on housing from the major parties running in the October 14 federal election.

 “Our members want to vote for parties that will do something to help the four million Canadians in core housing need,” said Nicholas Gazzard, Executive Director.  “Our member housing co‑ops get calls every day from people desperate to find a home they can afford.  They have been calling on candidates in this election to help the thousands of people on waiting lists for co‑operatives and other affordable housing. We’re very pleased that all five parties have made a commitment to affordable housing.  We look forward to learning more details about their long-term plans.”

The Conservative government took a positive step when they renewed the three federal housing programs, which were set to expire in March.  During the campaign they have promised help for first time homebuyers but have yet to offer details of a long-term strategy to address core housing need.

CHF Canada was pleased with the Liberal commitment to new and refurbished social housing units, additional subsidies to help house more low-income people in existing co‑ops, and funds for energy retrofits.

Co‑ops also appreciate the NDP’s promised investment in new non-profit and co‑operative homes and specific targets to help the most vulnerable.

The Green Party has committed dedicated funding for new co‑operative housing and an energy efficiency programs. The Bloc Québeécois has also committed to continued federal spending on housing and an increase in affordable housing investments.

CHF Canada has been calling for:

• Continued federal spending for housing co‑ops, to provide more homes for low-income Canadians
• More rent-geared-to-income subsidies so housing co‑ops can help more low-income Canadians who need housing
• Federal loans so that housing co‑ops can invest in energy savings and the reduction of greenhouse gases.

CHF Canada is the national voice of co‑operative housing in Canada, with more than 900 housing co‑operatives and other members, representing 56,000 co‑operative homes

See the report.

ngazzard @ chfcanada.coop

Merrilee Robson, Program Manager, Communications, (778) 227-3864 (cell) mrobson @ chfcanada.coop

+	Media contacts

+	CHF Canada media releases

+	Ontario Region media releases

+	Public policy

+	Co-op housing in the news

Search our website