National Housing Strategy Bilateral Agreement
Overview
A 10-year agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta was signed on March 8, 2019. The agreement will invest $678 million – $339 million from the Government of Canada and $339 million from the Government of Alberta – to protect, renew and expand social and community housing in Alberta.
On July 6, 2021, a further $444-million combined investment ($222 million each) was announced through the Canada-Alberta Housing Benefit. This investment will fund rent support for about 35,500 households in Alberta.
Benefits
Through the bilateral agreement, the governments of Canada and Alberta will:
- plan, build and restore affordable housing for seniors and Albertans with low income
- follow high standards of transparency, public engagement and housing quality, including improved energy efficiency and accessibility
- prioritize people most in need
- incorporate a human rights-based approach to housing
- apply a gender lens to all investments
Resources
- National Housing Strategy Bilateral Agreement
- Canada-Alberta Housing Benefit Addendum
- Alberta's action plan for the National Housing Strategy
- News: Governments of Canada and Alberta Reach 10-Year Housing Agreement (March 15, 2019)
- News: Rent support for 35,500 Alberta households in need (July 16, 2021)
Social Housing Agreement
Overview
The Government of Alberta works closely with the Government of Canada to deliver affordable housing to Albertans. On June 30, 2016, the federal and provincial governments signed a Social Housing Agreement.
Benefits
The Social Housing Agreement:
- provides federal funding over 18 years to support existing social housing units
- gives Alberta broader flexibility to adapt its housing programs to meet the needs of Albertans
- transfers full ownership of 15 social housing projects to the Alberta Social Housing Corporation, allowing them to be used for future redevelopment or program enhancements
- enables the Alberta government to form meaningful working relationships with housing providers from all sectors in the province
Resources
Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement
Overview
The Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement (IAH) is a commitment by the Governments of Canada and Alberta to invest $323 million over 8 years (2011-19) to help more individuals, seniors and families’ access affordable housing.
Benefits
This funding supports a variety of programs and services in Alberta, such as building new housing and updating the seniors' lodge portfolio.
The IAH is used across Canada to:
- increase the supply of affordable housing
- improve and preserve the quality of affordable housing
- make housing more affordable for vulnerable Canadians
- foster safe, independent living