Canada Housing Accord proposed to address the housing crisis

Two housing advocates argue for a Canada Housing Accord to align federal, provincial and municipal action; unsheltered homelessness is reported as up about 300% since 2018, according to a national point-in-time count.

Two housing policy figures propose a Canada Housing Accord to coordinate federal, provincial and municipal efforts. They say housing affordability has worsened over the past decade even as federal spending rose. The article cites a national point-in-time count reporting unsheltered homelessness is up about 300% since 2018. Budget 2025 is described as a major federal shift toward longer-term housing investment. Key points: - The piece is authored by Tim Richter and Tyler Meredith, who call for a national accord to set shared principles, outcomes and roles. - Unsheltered homelessness is reported as up about 300% since 2018, per the most recent national count referenced. - Budget 2025 shifted federal housing policy toward sustained investment, and existing federal-provincial housing agreements expire in 2027–28. - The proposed accord would aim to harmonize approvals and standards, clarify responsibilities for supply versus supports, and link housing and homelessness strategies. Summary: The authors present a Canada Housing Accord as a mechanism to make federal housing dollars more effective by clarifying who is responsible for supply, regulation and supports. They note Ottawa can begin an accord process immediately while bilateral agreements are negotiated, and they point to expiring agreements in 2027–28 as a near-term moment for negotiation. If pursued, the accord would seek to speed approvals, standardize rules and align homelessness targets with housing investments.