New federal entity focuses on affordability and non-market housing

On September 14, 2025 Habitat for Humanity Canada President & CEO Pedro Barata joined national housing leaders in Ottawa for the government’s launch of Build Canada Homes, a new federal entity with a goal of doubling the pace of housing construction over the next decade. Build Canada Homes has a mandate to build affordable housing at scale, and Habitat Canada is ready to help lead the way.

We were pleased to see several of Habitat for Humanity Canada’s recommendations reflected in the launch of Build Canada Homes. These include:

• Working with trusted providers, such as Habitat, to create national portfolios of affordable non-marketing housing that can include affordable homeownership
• Designing funding and financing for scale, speed, and innovation
• Making investment choices based on impact

Click here to read our full response to the Build Canada Homes market sounding

“Today’s launch of Build Canada Homes marks a pivotal moment in Canada’s response to the housing crisis,” says Habitat for Humanity Canada President & CEO Pedro Barata. “We’re encouraged by the federal government’s commitment to affordability and non-market housing solutions — core to Habitat’s mission. Our Affordable Homeownership Program offers a proven pathway for families with low to moderate incomes, and we’re ready to scale our impact alongside Build Canada Homes.”

We also look forward to working with Ana Bailão, Build Canada Homes' new CEO. Ana brings deep experience in local government and the private sector, and during her time on Toronto's city council she saw first-hand the impact of Habitat’s partnerships with families in accessing affordable homeownership.

Local Habitat in communities across Canada are ready to partner with Build Canada Homes and Canada's non-market and private housing sectors to help even more families create strong, secure futures through affordable homeownership.