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Canadian Public Health Association

Affordable Housing

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PUBLIC HEALTH MATTERS

Access to affordable housing is a critical issue affecting millions of Canadians, especially low-income families, Indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities. The federal government has a vital role to play in ensuring that every Canadian has access to safe, affordable, and adequate housing. As housing costs continue to rise, immediate and sustained federal action is required to address this growing crisis.

A Higher Standard

Housing is a fundamental human right and a critical factor in public health. Poor housing conditions, including overcrowding, lack of affordability, and exposure to environmental hazards, contribute to physical and mental health issues, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and stress-related illnesses (The Lancet, 2024).

Access to stable housing is also linked to improved health outcomes, including reduced hospital admissions, lower transmission rates of infectious diseases, and better overall well-being (Fred Victor, 2025).

It’s time for Canada to do better.

Why It Matters

Canada’s housing crisis has deepened, with homelessness and unaffordable housing affecting millions.

  • As of 2021, over 235,000 people in Canada experience homelessness each year, with 35,000 experiencing homelessness on any given night (Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, 2023).
  • 1 in 10 households in Canada spend more than 50% of their income on shelter costs, putting them at risk of homelessness (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2024).
  • Indigenous populations are 10 times more likely to experience homelessness than non-Indigenous populations (Assembly of First Nations, 2025).
  • Inadequate housing has been linked to higher rates of chronic diseases, including asthma, cardiovascular conditions, and mental health issues (Government of Canada, 2019).

Policy Solutions for the Next Federal Government

  1. Expand the National Housing Strategy: Increase funding for the NHS to accelerate the creation of affordable housing and address the growing demand across Canada.
  2. Support for Low-Income Households: Provide additional funding for rental assistance programs to help low-income Canadians afford adequate housing.
  3. Build More Social Housing: Invest in the construction of new social housing units to ensure that vulnerable populations, such as low-income families and seniors, have access to safe, affordable homes.
  4. Indigenous Housing Strategy: Implement a dedicated Indigenous housing strategy that provides funding and support for culturally appropriate housing in Indigenous communities.

Questions for the Candidates

  • How will your party address the affordable housing crisis and ensure that every Canadian has access to safe, affordable housing?
  • How will your party address the health impacts of inadequate housing and homelessness?
  • Will your party commit to a long-term investment in housing-first approaches to reduce homelessness?
  • How will your party work with provinces, territories, and municipalities to expand the National Housing Strategy to create more affordable housing options across Canada?

Resources