Canadian official: Over $115B invested in housing strategy

Canada has allocated more than $115 billion to its National Housing Strategy, Janet Goulding, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities of Canada, said during the ministerial roundtable at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

She noted that the New Urban Agenda has brought significant changes to Canada's approach to cities and communities over the past decade:

"Canada has transitioned to a more people‑centered, integrated, and inclusive urban development model. In 2017, the government launched the National Housing Strategy based on human rights principles. Over more than 10 years, the strategy foresees federal investments exceeding $115 billion in the housing sector. Cities and local communities have become more active partners in implementing national policy, with municipalities empowered to make decisions tailored to local realities on homelessness, housing shortages, and infrastructure challenges."

Goulding added that Canada has identified three key priorities for the next decade: Scaling up speed and scope of housing initiatives, strengthening inclusivity and partnerships, and enhancing resilience and environmental sustainability.

She emphasized that urban policy will focus on climate adaptation, energy efficiency, and disaster preparedness, and highlighted the importance of WUF as a platform for sharing best practices and experiences among countries.