For more than 40 years, Habitat for Humanity Canada has been building more than homes – we’ve been building opportunity, stability and stronger communities. Through our unique national affordable homeownership program, we empower eligible families living with low-to-moderate income to purchase a home at fair market value with no down payment and an affordable mortgage, ensuring that more people across Canada can put down roots and build a better future.

We’re not just here to build – we’re here to lead. We believe that affordable homeownership is a cornerstone of thriving communities. That’s why we advocate for bold, equitable pathways to homeownership, ensuring that families who dream of owning a home have a fair shot at achieving it.

Without action, homeownership will slip further out of reach for too many, threatening the strength of the middle class and the inclusivity of our communities. Together, we can change that. By building, advocating and mobilizing, we are shaping a future where homeownership isn’t just a dream – it’s an attainable reality for more Canadians.

Our advocacy priorities

Changing the math on building affordable homes

GST/HST relief for Habitat-built homes

Since 2017, we have paid nearly $19 million in GST/HST, a tax we are required to charge on the homes we built, but that we absorb to maintain affordability. In some areas, we pay more in taxes than we receive in government support. GST/HST costs can affect whether an affordable housing project is financially feasible, and prevent us from partnering with more low and middle-income families on a pathway to owning their own home.

If the federal government were to provide 100% relief from the GST/HST on the affordable homes we deliver, we would be able to invest the savings to help more deserving families. For every 100 homes we build, we would be able to build up to an additional five to 13 more.

Continued investment in affordable homeownership

Steady funding for more Habitat-built homes

We are pressing the government for continued and predictable funding for the affordable homeownership that Habitat delivers, including grants and low-cost financing. We offer a unique pathway to homeownership to families who would otherwise never have the chance to own their own home – creating stability for equity-deserving populations and pathways to the middle class.