Housing, Homelessness and Infrastructure Programs/Initiatives

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• Table of Contents

5. Housing and Immigration
6. Indigenous and Northern Housing
7. Federal Homelessness Programming
8. Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund
9. Federal Lands Initiative
10. Development Charges
11. Accessible Housing
12. Housing Prices: Resales
13. Housing for Young Canadians
14. Support for Transit
15. Climate Resilient Homes and Infrastructure
16. Results of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Investments
17. Canada Infrastructure Bank Mandate and Value
    • Canada Infrastructure Bank Investments, Priorities, Projects and Recent Announcements

Housing and Immigration

Issue / question

What is the Government of Canada doing to address the impact of high levels of immigration on housing?

Suggested response

• The Government of Canada is committed to making housing more affordable, returning overall immigration rates to sustainable levels, and attracting the best talent in the world to help build our economy.
• By taking bold action to build more homes faster, the federal government is making it easier for Canadians and new immigrants to own or rent a home.
• The Government of Canada will continue to calibrate immigration levels with housing supply and demand for other public services. We are committed to fostering a well-managed, responsive, and sustainable immigration system.

Background

• Canada has experienced unprecedented population growth in recent years, which has increased demand for housing. Statistics Canada indicates that immigration accounted for more than 97% of this growth in 2024. Further, according to estimates from the Parliamentary Budget Officer, in 2024, there were approximately 482,000 new households formed while only 276,000 housing units were completed.
• In recent years, the Government of Canada has put forward several housing measures that benefit newcomers and Canadians alike, which include:
  • New supports for affordable housing, including the launch of Build Canada Homes with a $13 billion initial capitalization, including a new $1.5 billion Canada Rental Protection Fund;
  • $50 million in 2024-25 and 2025-26 for Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program and $97 million over five years starting in 2026-27 for a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund, with a focus on construction to help skilled trades newcomers get more homes built;
  • The removal of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the construction of new rental buildings, including the construction of student residences built by public universities, public colleges, and public-school authorities; and
  • Launching the Blueprints for the Renters’ Bill of Rights and Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights to help protect renters from unfair practices and help make the process of buying a home fairer, simpler, and more transparent; and
  • $1.7 billion since 2017 through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s Interim Housing Assistance Program, which helps provincial and municipal governments implement sustainable and cost-effective solutions to provide shelter prevent homelessness for asylum claimants on a cost-sharing basis.
• These actions complement immigration measures taken to support a return to sustainable immigration levels and help ease pressures on housing:
  • In March 2024, the Government of Canada announced commitments to reduce the temporary resident population to less than 5% of the total population and to reduce annual permanent resident admissions to less than 1% of the total population by the end of 2027.
  • To reach these commitments, the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, released alongside Budget 2025, announced a reduction in permanent resident targets from 395,000 in 2025 to 380,000 in 2026. This decrease was coupled with a reduction to targeted temporary resident admissions from over 673,000 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026.
• In its mandate letter priorities from May 21, 2025, the government committed to both make housing more affordable and returning overall immigration rates to sustainable levels – while attracting the best talent in the world to help build our economy.

Indigenous and Northern Housing

Issue / question

How is the Government of Canada working with Indigenous communities to help address housing needs, particularly in urban, rural and northern areas?

Suggested response

• The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous communities to address the unique housing needs of Indigenous Peoples, including in urban, rural and northern areas.
• The Government of Canada is providing support for distinctions-based housing strategies and more than $2.2 billion in funding exclusively for Indigenous and northern housing under the National Housing Strategy.
• In partnership with Indigenous communities and housing providers, this government will continue to directly support building housing for Indigenous peoples across the country.

Background

• The Government of Canada has established permanent bilateral mechanisms with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders to identify joint priorities, engage on policy and monitor progress. Along with other tables, these mechanisms support overall joint work on Indigenous housing. In Budget 2025, it was announced that the Minister of Indigenous Services will coordinate a cross-government Indigenous Housing Strategy following engagement with First Nations on-reserve, Inuit Treaty Organisations, Métis governments, and Modern Treaty holders and Self-Governing Indigenous Governments.
• Federal distinctions-based housing funding is delivered by several federal organizations. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) provide funding to eligible First Nations communities for housing programs and services. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) provides funding for the implementation of the Inuit Nunangat Housing Strategy and the Métis Nation Housing Sub-Accord, as well as to Modern Treaty and Self-governing First Nations.
• The $724.1 million Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative was launched in November 2021 to support the construction and operations of additional shelters and transitional homes for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals fleeing gender-based violence, including in urban areas and in the North.
  • As of September 30, 2025, funding has been committed under this initiative for the construction of 38 new shelters and 39 new transitional homes
• To address Indigenous housing needs in urban, rural and northern areas, the Government of Canada is making investments in the Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy (U.R.N. Strategy), announced in December 2023.
  • A majority of the U.R.N. Strategy funding is to be delivered via a National Indigenous Housing Centre. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued in early 2024 to identify a top-ranking proponent. Negotiations are ongoing.
  • Through ISC and CIRNAC, the remaining U.R.N. Strategy funding is being advanced directly to First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners to support their members, beneficiaries and citizens living in urban, rural and northern areas.

Federal Homelessness Programming

Issue / question

What is the Government of Canada doing to address homelessness?

Suggested response

• This government is taking a leadership role to prevent and reduce homelessness. Through Reaching Home, the government is investing $5 billion to support coordinated, evidence-based community responses.
• Build Canada Homes will deploy $1 billion to build transitional and supportive housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• In response to the increase in the incidence of unsheltered homelessness and encampments, the $250 million Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative is supporting the deployment of community plans.

Background

• Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy: Launched in 2019 as part of the National Housing Strategy, this program is now a $5-billion investment over nine years, through 2027-28 (including an investment of $1 billion through Budget 2024). Reaching Home provides funding to specific communities through the Designated Communities, Indigenous Homelessness, Rural and Remote Homelessness and Territorial Homelessness streams.
• As of December 2025, Reaching Home has supported over 10,000 projects since April 2019. Between April 2019 and March 2025:
  • Over 201,000 people received prevention services such as short-term rental assistance or landlord mediation;
  • Nearly 112,000 people have been assisted in attaining more stable housing;
  • Over 48,000 people began receiving income assistance; and
  • Over 18,000 people started new paid employment.
• The Indigenous Homelessness funding stream allocates funding directly to off reserve organizations that provide culturally appropriate services to Indigenous people experiencing homelessness. The Distinctions-based Approaches stream provides dedicated funding to address specific needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals.
• Veteran Homelessness Program: Through 2027-28, the Services and Supports Stream provides up to $72.9 million in funding for rent supplements and wrap-around services and the Capacity Building Stream provides up to $6.2 million in funding for research on veteran homelessness and capacity building. 34 projects have been established.
• Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative: Budget 2024 announced $250 million over two years through 2025-26 to address the urgent issue of unsheltered homelessness. Cost-matched funding agreements are in place until March 2026 with eight provinces, the three territories, as well as with municipalities in Ontario and Saskatchewan.
• Build Canada Homes: This new federal agency will build affordable homes, support builders with financing, and encourage innovative building methods – using Canadian technology, workers and lumber, and sustainable building practices. It will focus primarily on non-market housing, supporting a mix of income needs as part of a national effort to double housing construction, restore affordability, and reduce homelessness. As announced on September 14, 2025, Build Canada Homes will deploy $1 billion to build transitional and supportive housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund

Issue / question

How is the Government of Canada helping to build the core infrastructure needed to help neighbourhoods grow?

Suggested response

• The federal government is making significant investments in critical infrastructure to directly support the construction of new homes and address the housing crisis.
• The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund is investing up to $6 billion for the construction and upgrading of infrastructure – including drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste systems – that in turn supports the creation of new homes.
• Funding will be provided to provinces and territories on the condition that they commit to key actions that increase housing supply by lowering the cost of construction and increasing density. Municipalities and Indigenous communities can also access funding to support pressing infrastructure needs to enable even more housing.
• Under the agreements with provinces and territories, 20% of the allocation is to be directed to projects in rural, northern, or Indigenous communities.

Background

• The Government of Canada put forward in Budget 2024 several key measures to cut red tape, build more homes, and help communities grow. The Budget announced the launch of a new Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) to accelerate the construction and upgrading of housing-enabling infrastructure relating to drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste infrastructure systems to support the construction of more homes.
• Launched in fall 2024, the CHIF provides up to $6 billion to support pressing infrastructure needs that directly enable housing, delivered to municipalities, Indigenous communities and other eligible recipients and provinces and territories (PTs) through agreements. The CHIF has a direct delivery stream and a PT agreement stream that supports long-term PT priorities while advancing federal housing objectives.
• As of January 2026, PT agreements have been signed with 11 provinces and territories, with one in active negotiations.
• The CHIF direct delivery intakes are now closed and received hundreds of applications from across the country. This speaks to the great need for critical water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste infrastructure all across Canada.
• Under the direct delivery stream, there are 27 approved or announced projects representing an approximate federal investment of $780 million and could enable up to 193,230 housing units.
• Budget 2025 announced that unallocated funding from the CHIF Direct Delivery stream will be repurposed for the new Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF). Unselected CHIF direct delivery stream applications may be considered for funding under the BCSF, once it is established, with a focus on projects that are shovel ready.

Federal Lands Initiative

Issue / question

How is the Government of Canada’s Federal Lands Initiative leveraging federally owned land and properties to increase the supply of affordable, energy efficient and accessible housing?

Suggested response

• The Government of Canada is investing over $318 million in the Federal Lands Initiative to help turn unused government land and buildings into affordable housing.
• These federal properties can be sold to affordable housing providers at a discounted rate as low as $1, depending on the level of social benefits being delivered.
• As of September 30, 2025, over $142 million in funding has been committed under the Federal Lands Initiative to support the creation of 4,899 new and 208 repaired housing units.

Background

• The Federal Lands Initiative (FLI) is a $318.9 million fund that supports the transfer of surplus federal lands and buildings to eligible proponents. This is available at discounted to no cost to be developed or renovated for use as affordable housing. The discount on the property will depend on the level of social outcomes achieved by the winning proposal. Once transferred, the property will be developed or renovated into affordable, sustainable, accessible, and socially inclusive housing.
• The FLI was launched in 2018 with an initial $200 million over 10 years, and a target of creating 4,000 units by making suitable properties available to selected proponents. Budget 2024 topped up the FLI with $112.6 million over five years with an additional $4.3 million in future years, with the investment expected to unlock a minimum of an additional 1,500 units, bringing the total to 5,500 new units.
• The FLI facilitates subsidies for the transfer of federal lands to housing providers to encourage the development of sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, mixed-use developments, and communities. Surplus federal properties across Canada are made available to partners that repurpose them to provide housing at less-than-market rates. The partners receive federal properties at a value somewhere between market value and $1. The difference between market value and transfer value represents the government’s contribution towards the provision of affordable housing.
• Each housing project must meet the following National Housing Strategy requirements:
  • Affordability: 30% of units must have rents at less than 80% of local median market rents;
  • Energy efficiency: a minimum 25% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to either national building codes or past performance; and
  • Accessibility: 20% of units must meet accessibility standards.
• In addition, the Government of Canada created the Canada Public Land Bank, where the government publishes an inventory of federal properties that have been identified as suitable for housing development. There are currently 88 properties listed on the website that can support the construction of thousands of new homes; with work underway to identify additional federal properties.
• The recent launch of Build Canada Homes will build on the success of affordable housing programs like the FLI to build and finance affordable housing, including on public lands. Build Canada Homes will bring all aspects of housing under one roof to make it simpler and faster to get projects off the ground. This includes streamlining construction on public lands by having access to the government’s land portfolio, including federal properties under the Canada Land Bank that are suitable for housing construction.

Development Charges

Issue / question

What is the Government of Canada doing about development charges?

Suggested response

• This government is committed to making the housing market work better. This includes reducing the burden of development charges on homebuilders, while ensuring municipalities can build the infrastructure needed to support this growth.
• Budget 2025 announced measures to reduce the impact of development charges through the Provincial and Territorial Stream of the new Build Communities Strong Fund, which will provide $17.2 billion in federal infrastructure funding over 10 years.
• Provinces and territories will be able to direct funding toward the type of housing-enabling infrastructure that is often paid for using development charges—things like roads, or water and wastewater infrastructure. This will allow them to substantially reduce these charges and avoid introducing other similar taxes.
• Federal action on development charges is one of the ways this government will increase housing supply and affordability, alongside other measures, such as Build Canada Homes and the elimination of the GST for some first-time homebuyers.

Background

• Development charges are fees levied by municipalities on new development to pay for new and expanded infrastructure needed to support growing communities.
• The use of development charges varies significantly across the country, with municipalities in Ontario and British Columbia relying most heavily on this revenue tool. Most provinces and territories (PTs) have legislation that allow municipalities to collect development charges, but not all municipalities do so.
• Provincial and territorial legislation also determines the specific services for which municipalities can collect development charges, which can include drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste/waste management, transportation, parkland, transit, recreation and community, and emergency services. Some jurisdictions include many more categories of services in their development charge frameworks than others, and, within PTs, municipalities will use development charges for different needs.
• Building infrastructure is essential to provide the services needed for new housing to be built. However, development charges have increased significantly in parts of the country in recent years. According to the 2024 Canadian Home Builders’ Association Municipal Benchmarking Study, development charges and related taxes and fees have increased by an average of $27,500 for a unit in a low-rise development and by an average $3,000 per unit in a high-rise development since the 2022 Study.
• Budget 2025 announced the Government of Canada’s intent to launch the $51 billion Build Communities Strong Fund over 10 years. The Build Communities Strong Fund will include a $17.2 billion over 10 years Provincial and Territorial Stream for funding provincial and territorial infrastructure projects and priorities. To access funding under this stream, provincial and territorial governments will be asked to cost-match federal dollars and substantially reduce development charges. Of the total $17.2 billion, $5 billion over three years will be dedicated to a Health Infrastructure Fund and will be exempt from the requirement to reduce development charges.
• Beyond taking action to reduce the burden of development charges for housing developers, the Government of Canada is supporting growth-enabling infrastructure through investment in the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, which provides federal funding to PTs and municipalities for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste infrastructure to enable housing development. The Canada Community-Building Fund and the Canada Public Transit Fund also provide funding for infrastructure needed to support growing communities.
• Budget 2025 also announced that the Canada Community-Building Fund will be rebranded as the Community Stream under the Build Communities Strong Fund and that the Build Communities Strong Fund will draw from repurposed resources from the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Accessible Housing

Issue / question

What is the Government of Canada doing to help ensure Canadians have accessible housing that accommodates their physical or other disabilities?

Suggested response

• The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring its housing investments increase the supply of accessible housing and support inclusive and accessible housing across the country.
• Through the National Housing Strategy’s programs, the Government of Canada is supporting the creation, repair, and renewal of barrier-free and accessible housing for people with disabilities. Since 2017, the federal government has contributed to creating, renewing or repairing more than 53,600 units of accessible housing.
• Most recently, the Government of Canada launched a new Housing Design Catalogue that includes standardized, pre-vetted housing designs – many of which are adaptable and accessible. The Catalogue will accelerate the approval process for developers, making it easier and quicker to build homes that meet the needs of Canadians living with disabilities.

Background

• The Government of Canada is helping ensure access to accessible housing by integrating accessibility into key housing initiatives and advancing inclusive housing solutions for Canadians with disabilities.
• Build Canada Homes (BCH), the new federal agency that will build affordable housing at scale, examines projects based on several criteria. This includes their ability to increase the accessible housing stock, while allowing flexibility to account for project type, cost constraints, and regional context. BCH also encourages proponents to leverage the Housing Design Catalogue, where appropriate.
• The Housing Design Catalogue provides standardized designs that are adaptable for a range of accessibility needs and comply with local building codes. The designs were developed in collaboration with Accessibility Standards Canada and include accessibility considerations that go beyond minimum code requirements. The Catalogue includes Accessible-Ready, Enhanced Accessibility, and Adaptable designs, which provide pathways for including accessibility features or converting units to be fully accessible, in alignment with provincial and national accessibility standards.
• The National Housing Strategy (NHS) places significant emphasis on addressing the housing needs of populations with unique needs, including people with disabilities.
• Programs under the NHS provide funding to support the creation, repair, and renewal of barrier-free and accessible housing for people with disabilities. This includes the Apartment Construction Loan Program, the Affordable Housing Fund, the Co-op Housing Development Program and the Federal Lands Initiative.
• The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) provides funding to provinces and territories to administer and deliver to their communities. To be eligible to receive funding, provinces and territories are required to commit to the implementation of the 2025 and future National Model Codes within 18 months of their publication. This will support more accessible, affordable, and climate-friendly housing options. Budget 2025 announced that a portion of the resources previously allocated to CHIF will be reallocated to the new Build Communities Strong Fund.
• In 2024, the Federal Housing Advocate and the Canadian Human Rights Commission published a monitoring framework on the right to housing for people with disabilities in Canada. In June 2025, the Federal Housing Advocate requested the National Housing Council form a review panel that examines the systemic issue of the lack of accessible housing in Canada. The review panel, which was established in fall 2025, has initiated its work and plans to submit its final report with recommendations by the end of the year; the Minister must respond to the review panel’s final report.

Housing Prices: Resales

Issue / question

Given the Government’s focus on boosting housing supply, will the value of homes decrease?

Suggested response

• Market dynamics are a key factor in the housing market, including on home prices. This government envisions a healthy, performing market where supply and demand are in balance.
• Through Build Canada Homes, this government is focused on growing the supply of affordable housing in the non-market sector. Supply can expand at the low-cost end of the market, with demand at the high end remaining strong. Investments in affordable, non-market housing can relieve pressure where it is more needed – in the rental and entry-level markets – without necessarily pulling down home prices.
• For most Canadians, a house is a home and not a short-term investment. Many Canadians will derive value over the long-term from the healthy, balanced housing market the Government is building.

Background

• The Government of Canada is committed to improving affordability and housing market stability through initiatives such as Build Canada Homes (BCH), the National Housing Strategy (NHS) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) housing finance solutions.
• On September 14, 2025, the Government launched BCH, a new federal agency with the mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada. By leveraging public lands, deploying flexible financial tools, and acting as a catalyst for modern methods of construction, BCH is driving a more productive and innovative homebuilding sector.
• This builds on investments from the NHS which launched in 2017. It is currently a 10 year, $115+ billion plan to give more people in Canada a place to call home. The NHS includes a range of complementary programs and initiatives that address diverse needs across the entire housing continuum.
• CMHC helps maintain the sustainability and stability of Canada’s housing market and the broader financial system through the provision of mortgage loan insurance and mortgage funding programs. This includes programs to help Canadians access homeownership by enabling lenders to offer financing at interest rates comparable to those available to borrowers with larger down payments, while also supporting market resilience and reducing systemic risk.
• There are approximately 655,000 non-market housing units in Canada (3.5% to 4.0% of total housing stock – the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average is 7%). Select studies1 suggest that when supply expands at the low-cost end of the market, demand at the high end remains strong. Investments in affordable, non-market housing can relieve pressure where it is more needed, in the rental and entry-level markets, without necessarily pulling down home prices.
• CMHC’s 2025 Housing Market Outlook expects housing sales and prices to rebound as lower mortgage rates and changes to mortgage rules unlock pent-up demand in the short term. In the longer term, it is forecasted that stronger economic fundamentals will support this rebound. However, it is noted that the recovery may be uneven, with slower progress in less affordable regions and in the condominium apartment market.
• Over time, homeowners benefit from a healthy, balanced market. While markets fluctuate, particularly in some cities and with implications for short-term investors, the Government of Canada supports measures that support stability and predictability for families across Canada.

Housing for Young Canadians

Issue / question

How is the Government of Canada supporting housing for young Canadians?

Suggested response

• This government recognizes the impact of the housing crisis on young Canadians and is taking action to support their access to affordable homes.
• This includes launching Build Canada Homes to support the development of affordable housing at scale as well as moving forward with measures such as the elimination of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million and lowering the GST for first-time home buyers on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.
• These efforts complement existing National Housing Strategy (NHS) initiatives, which place a significant emphasis on addressing the housing needs of populations with unique needs, including youth.
• As of September 30, 2025, NHS programs have supported the construction of over 1,000 new housing units targeted specifically to young adults.

Background

• The Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) places significant emphasis on addressing the housing needs of populations with unique needs, including young adults. As of September 30, 2025, NHS programs have supported the construction of over 1,000 new housing units targeted specifically to young adults. Initiatives under the NHS that benefit young Canadians include:
  • The $55 billion Apartment Construction Loan Program provides low-cost financing to support the development of rental housing, including a stream to enable development of on- and off-campus student housing.
  • The $1.5 billion Co-op Housing Development Program provides forgivable loans along with low-interest repayable loans to build rental co-operative housing. This program supports a new generation of non-profit co-operative housing.
• In addition, the Government of Canada has removed the Goods and Services Tax on development of new purpose-built rental, including student residences to accelerate the construction of affordable housing near campuses and provide more housing options for students.
• The Government has also taken action to make housing costs more affordable for Canadians, including young Canadians. These include:
  • Implementing the First Home Savings Account, a registered account which helps Canadians save up to $40,000 to purchase a qualifying home with tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals.
  • Changes to mortgage insurance rules that increase the price cap for insured mortgages to $1.5 million, to help Canadians qualify for a mortgage with a downpayment below 20%, and to expand the availability of 30-year mortgage amortizations to all first-time home buyers and to all buyers of new builds.
  • Launching the Blueprint for a Renters’ Bill of Rights, which calls on provinces, territories, and housing partners to support fair and transparent renting practices.
• As part of efforts to double housing starts, the federal government launched Build Canada Homes (BCH), Canada’s new federal agency that will build and finance affordable housing at scale, while catalyzing a more productive homebuilding industry. By combining access to federal lands, development expertise and flexible financing under one roof, BCH will make it simpler and faster to create new housing supply for all Canadians, including youth.

Support for Transit

Issue / question

What is the Government of Canada doing to support transit across the country?

Suggested response

• All levels of government are working together with partners to strengthen public transit systems in Canada and to make rural and small communities more accessible.
• Building on the Government of Canada’s $32 billion investment in more than 2,500 public transit and active transportation projects across Canada, the Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) is funding core transit infrastructure across the country.
• Going forward, the CPTF is providing significant funding for transit across the country, including $5 billion over 10 years in stable and predictable investments under the Baseline funding stream – helping more people to benefit from living near public transit.

Background

• The Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) was launched in July 2024 to provide significant funding for public transit and active transportation infrastructure. Building on previous transit programs, the CPTF supports the expansion of public transit systems and active transportation networks across Canada.
• The CPTF is being delivered across three components: Metro Region Agreement (MRA) Funding, Baseline Funding, and Targeted Funding.
• The MRA Funding and Baseline Funding components aim to enable long-term planning that links transit investments and actions to increased housing supply.
• Baseline Funding will provide stable, predictable support for communities with existing transit systems. To date, $3.85 billion in 10-year allocations has been announced for 80 recipients - this funding will support routine capital investments, expansion, and state of good repair projects in communities across the country.
• MRA funding aims to support the long-term development of public transit infrastructure in large urban areas, including a broad range of projects that many Canadians depend on every day, including major expansion.
• Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada continues to engage with provinces, municipalities and transit agencies throughout Canada. The MRA stream intake is open on a continuous basis as of July 17, 2024. On March 21, 2025, an allocation of up to $1.529 billion was announced for Metro Vancouver (TransLink) over 10 years, subject to signing an MRA.
• Targeted funding will continue to support projects under the Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Active Transportation Fund, and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund.

Climate Resilient Homes and Infrastructure

Issue / question

What is the Government of Canada doing to address the impacts of climate change on housing and infrastructure?

Suggested response

• Every year, climate-related events like floods and wildfires are damaging housing and critical infrastructure, displacing communities, and costing billions in damages.
• Announced in Budget 2025, the Build Communities Strong Fund will invest $51 billion over 10 years, and $3 billion ongoing, in infrastructure projects across communities to drive economic growth, improve productivity, and enhance resilience.
• Build Communities Strong Funding will support regionally significant projects, large building retrofits, climate adaptation projects and community infrastructure.
• This investment is in addition to the government’s commitment to provide approximately $3.74 billion in protective infrastructure projects to help climate-proof Canadian communities through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
• This government will continue to partner with industry to ensure that housing and infrastructure is built to last – whether through climate-informed codes, standards and guidance developed with federal partners to factor climate risks into housing and infrastructure design and builds, or tools to help guide the development of infrastructure projects that are resilient to climate change impacts.

Background

• Disasters, extreme weather, and changing climate conditions across the country present a significant and increasing threat to household safety, affordability, and insurability. In 2024 alone, there was a record-breaking $9.2 billion in insurable claims, with an additional $24 billion in uninsurable damage due to extreme events – costs that are passed on to homeowners, businesses, and governments.
• Budget 2025 announced a new Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) ($51 billion over 10 years, and $3 billion ongoing), for public infrastructure projects that drive economic growth, improve productivity, enhance resilience.
• BCSF will have three streams:
  • Provincial and Territorial Stream ($17.2 billion / 10 years): Supports water/wastewater, transit, roads, post-secondary education infrastructure, and health-related infrastructure ($5 billion carve-out) through bilateral agreements.
  • Direct Delivery Stream ($6 billion / 10 years): Supports regionally significant projects, large building retrofits, climate adaptation projects, and community infrastructure.
  • Community Stream ($27.8 billion / 10 years): Publicly rebranded Canada Community-Building Fund.
• Proactive investments and building diligently are critical to long-term affordability as climate-informed siting, design, and materials safeguard public investment. This includes selecting suitable land (e.g., avoiding floodplains, wildfire zones) and using climate-resilient design to reduce risk (e.g., roof fasteners, and corrosion- and decay-resistant materials).
• To date, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) advances climate resilient housing and infrastructure through key initiatives:
  • Resilience-focused funding programs: The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (over $3.74 billion for 149 projects) and other resilience-enabling funding programs (e.g., Natural Infrastructure Fund, Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program) are fully subscribed, leaving a funding gap.
  • Scalable resilience requirements: HICC is demonstrating diligence as an investor by requiring funding recipients of all new infrastructure programs to consider how climate change impacts could affect their project, preserving the functionality and value of federal investments.
  • Climate-informed codes, standards and guidance: HICC, in partnership with the Standards Council of Canada and the National Research Council Canada, has been developing the necessary research, guidelines, standards, and codes to factor climate risks into housing and infrastructure design and builds.
  • Targeted supports and services to increase uptake: Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure is helping infrastructure owners and investors develop projects that are resilient to climate change, offering a roster of experts and a help desk that served over 430 communities in its first year of service, 65% of which have fewer than 30,000 residents, and an open-access online platform with over 2,000 monthly users.
• HICC’s approach to resilience is guided by Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, in a targeted effort to align federal policy direction across pre- and post-disaster investments. Since April 2025, Public Safety Canada’s modernized federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements limit post-disaster funding support for new or extensively rebuilt assets in hazardous areas if not appropriately mitigated. New HICC-funded assets could be ineligible and at risk if not aligned.
• Building on HICC’s progress, Build Canada Homes will complement efforts to accelerate climate-resilient communities by prioritizing projects that emphasize climate performance, including climate-informed site selection and resilient design features to address local hazards such as flooding, wildfire, hail, and extreme heat.
• Moving forward, HICC will continue to explore opportunities to incorporate resilience considerations in housing and infrastructure, particularly in areas across Canada that are most impacted by climate events, including through the BCSF.

Results of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Investments

Issue / question

What are the results of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada's investments on the lives of Canadians?

Suggested response

• Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) has been a consistent investor and partner in core public infrastructure to help Canadians in their everyday lives.
• HICC and its portfolio agencies are supporting the federal government in getting back into the business of building homes by increasing housing supply, reducing or eliminating core housing need and helping to ensure vulnerable populations have a roof over their heads by addressing homelessness.
• HICC is also helping Canadians get to their destinations in greener ways. Through its transit initiatives, the Government of Canada is supporting the purchase of more than 21,100 buses, including over 8,800 zero emission buses.
• HICC is also contributing to vibrant communities, investing in the culture, recreation, and sport facilities. Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and Green and Inclusive Community Building program, HICC has invested in over 2,100 community assets across Canada.

Background

• Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) improves the quality of life of Canadians by creating affordable, connected communities, creating jobs and economic growth, supporting climate resilience, and building a stronger and more inclusive Canada.
• Public transit and active transportation are key components of connected communities, providing Canadians with affordable, accessible transportation options in both urban and rural communities. When Canadians choose to walk or bike, they expect convenient access to safe bike lanes, multi-use pathways and sidewalks. HICC investments in active transportation since 2016 are contributing to more than 1,500 km of bikeways, pathways and sidewalks across Canada.
• At the heart of vibrant communities are the buildings and facilities that house culture, recreation, and sport where all Canadians are welcomed and where accessibility plays an important role. 72% of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program projects funded have incorporated universal design, and 97% met requisite accessibility standards in their jurisdiction, helping to support more accessible community spaces for Canadians.
• Community infrastructure such as water treatment infrastructure are essential to building more homes. Since 2016, we have supported more than 2,400 km of linear drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater assets and over 6,500 facilities, such as water treatment plants and storage facilities. These investments deliver reliable clean water to Canadians and their growing communities and protect and preserve Canada’s freshwater resources. Nation-wide, over 29,100 km of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater pipes were installed from 2020 to 2022, outpacing population growth. This represents a 9.7% increase in the national inventory, averaging 9,700 km annually, which is well above previous decades.
• Canadians need infrastructure that will withstand the impacts of a rapidly changing climate for decades to come. HICC investments are supporting communities as they face increasingly frequent, severe, and extreme weather events, such as recent floods, wildfires, hailstorms, and storms. Through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, HICC has allocated over $3.74 billion in funding to support communities in building resilience against extreme weather and climate impacts.
• Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to call home. That is why HICC invests in both measures to improve housing supply, affordability and suitability. By 2026-27, $4.4 billion in Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) investments is expected to enable over 112,000 permitted homes in more than 200 communities across Canada and over the next decade, as the pace of additional permitting increases, it is estimated that the HAF will lead to the creation of approximately 750,000 permitted new homes in communities nationwide.
• In terms of homelessness prevention efforts, HICC is helping to ensure vulnerable populations have a roof over their heads. HICC funds projects across the country through programs such as Reaching Home and Veteran Homelessness. From 2019-2025, the Reaching Home program has placed close to 112,000 individuals into more stable housing and offered core prevention services (such as rental assistance and landlord/family mediation) to over 201,000 individuals living in Canada.

Canada Infrastructure Bank Mandate and Value

Issue / question

How is the Canada Infrastructure Bank delivering value for Canadians?

Suggested response

• The Government of Canada is making the largest investments in nation‑building infrastructure in a generation—investments that strengthen our economy, support communities, and improve quality of life for Canadians.
• The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) plays a critical role in this work by advancing projects that respond directly to Canada’s most pressing needs: supporting housing supply, enabling clean and reliable energy, improving trade corridors, and expanding infrastructure in northern and Indigenous communities.
• The CIB’s model is designed to stretch public dollars further. By making repayable investments in revenue‑generating projects and leveraging private and institutional investment, the CIB helps accelerate major projects that would otherwise take longer or not move forward at all.
• The CIB brings expertise to complex infrastructure initiatives—working collaboratively with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners and the private sector to get projects financed, de‑risked and built.
• To date, the CIB has committed $17.9 billion toward 106 projects representing a total capital value of $54.4 billion—demonstrating clear progress and real, measurable value for Canadians.

If pressed on governance and CEO reappointment

• The CIB is an arm’s length Crown corporation, overseen by an independent Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for overseeing operations, making investment decisions, establishing internal policies, and ensuring the CIB operates within its mandate.
• The government has accepted the CIB Board’s recommendation to reappoint Ehren Cory as CEO. Since 2020, his leadership has strengthened the CIB’s role as an impact investor, advancing climate action, economic growth and the infrastructure needed to support more housing, while leveraging partnerships that help public dollars go further and deliver transformative projects across the country.

Background

• The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) was established in 2017 to work with stakeholders across Canada to attract investment from private and institutional investors in revenue-generating infrastructure projects that are in the public interest, such as those that support economic growth, trade, and Canada’s housing supply.
  • It has received statutory funding of $35 billion, with a net fiscal expense of $15 billion to support innovative approaches to infrastructure funding, for instance by offering below market rates or subordinated terms, and to cover the CIB’s operating costs.
  • It uses financial instruments including loans, equity, and, where appropriate, loan guarantees to deliver federal support to projects in the public interest to make them commercially viable and crowd-in private investment.
  • The CIB operates independently from the federal government in its day-to-day operations and investment decisions. It is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for overseeing the CIB’s strategic direction, approving investments, and ensuring compliance with its legislative mandate under the Canada Infrastructure Bank Act.
• At present, the CIB has been investing in five priority sectors with the following targets: Public Transit ($5 billion), Green Infrastructure ($10 billion), Trade and Transportation ($5 billion), Broadband ($3 billion), and Clean Power ($10 billion). Across these priority sectors, the CIB has already invested over $1 billion in 32 projects benefiting Indigenous communities, surpassing the original target of $1 billion set by the Government of Canada. Budget 2025 increased the CIB’s target to invest at least $3 billion in projects in partnership with and for the benefit of Indigenous communities.
• The CIB is also investing in cross-cutting initiatives to support enabling infrastructure for housing (e.g., water and wastewater) and critical minerals.
• Budget 2025 announced the government’s intention to increase the CIB’s capital envelope from $35 billion to $45 billion, which would allow the CIB to accelerate investment in high-impact infrastructure projects aligned with national priorities.
• The budget also called on the CIB to make significant new investments by prioritizing investments in nation-building projects referred to the Major Projects Office and to invest in projects funded under new programs including the Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, the First and Last Mile Fund, and the Build Communities Strong Fund.
• The CIB plays an important advisory role. It helps build capacity and structure complex projects to support all levels of government in Canada in advancing their goals, particularly around projects that are bankable, and appropriate for attracting private investment and risk transfer.
• As of September 30, 2025:
  • 106 investments have reached financial close, which include eight completed projects, and 89 in active construction;
  • CIB’s investments of $17.9 billion have attracted more than $25.2 billion in private and institutional capital; and
  • CIB’s investments are in projects with a total capital cost of $54.4 billion.
• The CIB is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, ensuring the CIB’s work is aligned with Canada’s broader goals. The Minister’s responsibility includes:
  • Reviewing and recommending the approval of the CIB’s corporate plans;
  • Recommending appointments to the Board of Directors and CEO, subject to Governor in Council approval; and
  • Issuing policy direction, if necessary, to ensure alignment with broader government priorities.
• The CIB’s governance structure is designed to balance independence in investment decision-making with appropriate public oversight and transparency. The CIB publishes information about its investments and performance on its website and through its annual reports.

Canada Infrastructure Bank Investments, Priorities, Projects and Recent Announcements

• CIB priorities and targets
• Impact of CIB investments
• Latest project announcements

CIB priorities and targets

• The CIB invests in the following priority sectors:
  • Enabling infrastructure that unlocks housing supply
    • including through partnerships with the new Build Canada Homes agency
    • projects include water, local civil works, local transit, and connectivity
    • $10B long-term target
  • Transportation and trade-enabling infrastructure
    • to support the expansion of trade corridors and growth of all industrial sectors, including critical minerals, and trade-enabling infrastructure, and to support agrifood, agriculture, fisheries, and the broader food supply chain
    • projects include ports, railways, highways, airports and logistics facilities
    • $15B long-term target
  • Clean energy
    • to support sustainable economic growth and long-term energy security
    • projects include clean power, carbon capture, utilization and sequestration, hydrogen and low-carbon fuels, decarbonizing large emitters, fostering innovation in clean energy systems, district energy, and infrastructure that supports the adoption of zero-emission vehicles
    • $20B long-term target
  • AI and digital infrastructure
    • to secure Canada’s leadership and ensure its competitiveness on a global scale
    • projects include data centres and infrastructure, high-speed networking and interconnects, and the physical operational management systems and energy systems that enable advanced data centres
    • $5B long-term target
• Across its priority investment sectors, the CIB advances the following priorities:
  • Infrastructure gaps in the North and Arctic, in coordination with Northern and Indigenous partners, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Department of National Defence
  • Projects co-developed with Indigenous communities and aligned with First Nations, Inuit and Métis priorities ($3B long-term target)
• CIB offers financing in collaboration with other federal entities and programs to support projects:
• With the Major Projects Office and other financing Crown corporations to support projects of national significance
  • CIB may invest in projects referred to the Major Projects Office regardless of sector or asset class
• With other federal partners to support the Build Communities Strong Fund, Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, Arctic Infrastructure Fund, and First and Last Mile Fund

Impact of CIB investments

As of 2025-26 Q2 (September 30, 2025)

• 106 projects, including:
  • 89 under construction
  • 8 completed
• $17.9B CIB investments:
• attracted $25.2B in private capital
• enabled projects with a total capital cost of $54.4B
• 313,517 estimated jobs created during construction
• 10.2 Mt average annual GHG reduction
• 173,372 daily transit trips
• $2.3B average annual GDP impact

Latest project announcements

As of January 19, 2026

Wasoqonatl Intertie (New-Brunswick / Nova Scotia)

• $54 million in Indigenous equity loans, total CIB involvement in project $403 million, total project cost $931 million
• Interprovincial transmission line connecting NB and NS
• This is the first time NB First Nations are acquiring an ownership stake in a large-scale clean power project, providing a significant opportunity to promote economic reconciliation. 

North Coast Transmission Line (British Columbia)

• $139.5 million loan to support early works of the project $139.5 million loan to support early works of the project
• BC Hydro is building 500kV electricity transmission lines
• Critical infrastructure project aimed at increasing energy supply, supporting resource development and economic growth
• If pressed on local First Nations support: The CIB’s early works loan will not fund work associated with the leading route on the project, or any matters that are still under negotiation with First Nations. The CIB, BC Hydro and local First Nations continue to work on assessing impacts and financing options for the project.

Wicehtowak Solar (Saskatchewan)

• $42 million loan
• Solar farm supplying power to K+S Potash Canada mine
• Wicehtowak Solar is the CIB’s first project with 100% First Nation ownership, advancing economic reconciliation and promoting long-term economic opportunity, while increasing clean power delivered to SK’s electricity grid

Saint John Mill Modernization (New Brunswick)

• $660 million loan
• Modernization plans include a new recovery boiler, steam turbine and generator to produce up to 145 MW of renewable energy, creating more than 600 new jobs in New Brunswick’s forestry supply chain
• The modernization will make the mill energy self-sufficient, eliminate the combustion of heavy fuel oil and reduce emissions, supporting the province’s energy transition while reinforcing the forestry sector as a key driver of economic growth
• If pressed on CIB support to Irving (the project proponent): CIB investment allowed this project to proceed more quickly, giving access to cleaner energy, creating jobs and driving the local economy at a faster pace. CIB investment decisions are made by the Bank’s independent Board of Directors, outside government or partisan influence.

Sturgeon Terminal West (Alberta)

• $100 million loan
• Doubling the capacity of the rail-centric supply chain hub, increasing trade and transportation supply chain capacity for industrial production centres, expected to contribute $22.3 million annually to the region’s GDP
• Provides crucial first mile, last mile rail infrastructure and services, supporting the transportation of goods to British Columbia and other Canadian and North American destinations

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