Canada-Alberta Affordable Housing Agreements

These agreements between the governments of Alberta and Canada help provide affordable housing for Albertans.

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

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

Resources

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