The coalition's 10-point plan focuses on affordability, homebuilding, and protecting renters
A coalition of Canadian housing organizations has released a 10-point policy plan, which aims to protect the housing market as economic pressures mount due to the US trade war.
The group – including the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH), the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), Habitat for Humanity Canada, and the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA) – warned that tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and declining economic confidence will further weaken Canada’s housing sector—at a time when affordability is already at a breaking point.
The coalition’s 10 key proposals focus on housing security, affordability, and long-term infrastructure:
- Creating an immediate housing safety net for Canadians.
- Protecting renters from falling into homelessness.
- Doubling the share of community housing to ensure long-term affordability.
- Securing land and infrastructure needed for new housing developments.
- Strengthening supply chains for construction materials to counter rising costs.
- Developing a housing-focused skills agenda to train workers in the sector.
- Reforming taxes to encourage homebuilding and affordability.
- Streamlining building permits to speed up development.
- Investing in construction innovation to build homes faster and more cost-effectively.
- Expanding housing for Indigenous communities in urban, rural, and northern areas.
CREA raised concerns about declining consumer confidence, warning that economic uncertainty and job losses will push more Canadians further away from homeownership.
"This targeted trade war by the United States has already imposed a massive degree of uncertainty in Canadian real estate markets," CREA head Janice Myers said in a statement. "Declining confidence in our economy, the potential for job losses, and increases in the cost of day-to-day necessities will push thousands of Canadians further away from the goal of homeownership and further highlight the need for a housing system that supports all Canadians."
Rising tariffs on construction materials could drive up costs, making it even harder to build affordable housing.
"Tariffs will significantly disrupt the economy and the supply chains necessary for building affordable homes, putting additional strain on families already facing housing insecurity," said Pedro Barata, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada.
The coalition is also calling for greater investment in community housing, arguing that affordable rental options are critical to economic stability.
"Every investment in housing is an investment in the economy and in reducing and preventing homelessness," said Shaun Simms, president-elect of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association. "Strategic investments in community housing help people access affordable homes, drive recovery, create jobs, and support local businesses."
The coalition’s plan builds on recent findings from the National Housing Council (NHC), which has recommended that Canada double its non-market housing supply. Currently, only 3.5% of Canada’s housing supply falls into the non-market category, far below the 7% OECD average.
To catch up, the NHC estimates Canada must build at least 576,625 new non-market homes. The coalition supports this goal, arguing that long-term affordability requires reducing reliance on private-sector rental markets.
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"As we confront the realities of a housing crisis, mounting economic pressures and the resulting threat of surging homelessness, it's imperative we unite as a sector to propose and implement the solutions Canadians need," said Tim Richter, president and CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. "This plan is more than just a response; it is a commitment to building a resilient housing system that works for everyone."
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