Habitat is ready to be a nationwide partner of new federal housing agency, Build Canada Homes

On November 3-4, 2025, Habitat for Humanity Canada brought together local Habitat leaders from across the country to meet with federal decision-makers and champion affordable homeownership as an important part of Canada’s housing strategy. We brought a unified message to members of Parliament: despite the significant financial barriers, homeownership remains an aspiration for Canadians.

During our time in Ottawa, the federal government tabled an annual budget that included significant investments in housing. While we are encouraged by the government’s commitment to alleviating Canada’s housing crisis, we know there’s more work to be done to ensure every Canadian has a fair chance at owning a home.

As Habitat Canada President & CEO Pedro Barata recently told the Senate finance committee, without targeted federal support, we risk denying Canadians a fair chance at owning their home.

A win for first-time homebuyers

We welcomed the federal recommitment in the budget to waive GST on new homes under $1 million for first-time buyers, a measure that could enable Habitat to build 5–13 more homes per 100. Since 2017, local Habitats have paid over $20 million in GST/HST on the homes we build, often absorbing the cost to keep homes affordable. We have long advocated for GST relief and eagerly await the implementation of the legislation that will make this promise a reality.

Canadians don’t aspire to renting a home, they want to own one

A successful government housing program that meets Canadians’ needs and aspirations must include support for affordable homeownership. In an October 2025 poll from Abacus Data and the Canadian Real Estate Association, only 40% of Canadians say they believe the dream of homeownership is still alive. Despite the pessimism, two-thirds of non-homeowners would still like to own a home. The number jumps to 86% among those aged 18 to 29 and 75% among those aged 30 to 44 — “clear evidence that the goal of homeownership persists, even as it feels increasingly out of reach,” according to the researchers.

At Habitat, we see the evidence every day that Canadian families still aspire to homeownership. Our Affordable Homeownership Program produces benefits otherwise out of reach for young families living with low-to-moderate income, as they become homeowners, affordably, and build a foundation for the future.

Habitat for Humanity is shovel ready to build

Habitats in Canada stand ready to be a nationwide partner with Build Canada Homes, helping the government meet its goal of doubling housing construction, and continuing our success constructing more than 800 homes through an agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The recent federal budget signals progress, but continued collaboration and targeted support are essential to ensuring every Canadian has a fair chance at owning a home. Habitat is committed to being part of the solution — building homes, hope and a secure future for more Canadian families.