Engaging in a rare opportunity to help shape the federal government’s approach to Canada’s growing housing and homelessness crisis.
Background
In August, 2025, the federal government announced Build Canada Homes (BCH)—a new entity that will be responsible for creating more affordable housing across the country.
With this announcement, the federal government is seeking public consultation from civil society and other stakeholders to help shape what BCH will become.
Our Analysis and Feedback:
Along with the announcement of Build Canada Homes (BCH), the federal government also released its Market Sounding Guide—a discussion document that sets out an initial vision for BCH, including its objectives, functions, instruments, investment approach, and implementation—and are seeking public feedback.
As part of this public consultation process, the National Right to Housing Network recommends that the team at Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada consider that the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Canada, has a legislative requirement to, “develop and maintain a national housing strategy to further housing policy, taking into account key principles of a human rights-based approach to housing.”
Specifically, we are calling on the federal government to uphold their legislative commitments to the human right to housing, and offer 10 recommendations on how Build Canada Homes can achieve it.