Removing barriers to build more homes, faster in Vancouver, British Columbia
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December 15, 2023
Vancouver, British Columbia
Right now, in communities across the country, building the housing we need, especially affordable housing, is too hard. That’s why the federal government is working with municipalities to break down barriers and build more homes, faster so Canadians – from young families, to seniors, to newcomers – can find a place to call home, at a price they can afford.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the federal government has reached an agreement with the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, to fast-track over 3,200 new housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of more than 40,000 homes over the next decade and help meet the demand in Vancouver.
Under the Housing Accelerator Fund, this agreement will provide almost $115 million to eliminate barriers to build the housing we need, faster. It will allow for high density development including multiplexes and apartment buildings, help fast-track development processes, and build housing near public transit. As part of the agreement, Vancouver will work to streamline re-zoning laws, expand affordable rental programs, cut red tape, and unlock non-market housing. These initiatives are going to significantly improve the way housing is built in one of Canada’s largest cities.
The Housing Accelerator Fund is helping cut red tape and fast track the construction of over 250,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
The Government of Canada is supporting the middle class – and housing is key to that work. Our plan to double the rate of housing construction over the next decade will help build the housing supply we need. We will continue to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous partners, to keep building more homes for Canadians, faster, and make life better for everyone.
Quotes
“Like so many cities across Canada, Vancouver needs more homes, and fast. That’s why we’re working with mayors across the country to cut red tape and change the way we build housing. Today’s announcement with Vancouver will help build more homes, faster, so that every Canadian has a good place to call their own.”
“Today’s announcement will help fast track 3,200 homes in the next three years and over 40,000 homes over the next decade. By working with cities, mayors, and all levels of government, we are helping to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.”
“The housing crisis is a nationwide problem that extends beyond the borders of any single municipality. The City of Vancouver is grateful to the Government of Canada for their support as we continue working together to build more homes faster and create a brighter future for all Vancouverites.”
Quick Facts
- As the largest city in British Columbia, Vancouver is the economic and cultural centre in a rapidly growing region. Vancouver is expected to add 260,000 more people and up to 210,000 more jobs by 2050.
- The City of Vancouver’s Housing Action Plan aims to build more housing with a variety of density to meet the needs of the local community.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2026-27. It is designed to help cities, towns, and Indigenous governments unlock new housing supply through innovative approaches.
- The Province of British Columbia recently introduced comprehensive changes to legislation that impact how local governments plan and regulate housing. Certain communities, including communities in Vancouver, are required to achieve specific housing targets. The legislation changes mandate municipalities to enable the development of all types of housing from secondary suites to higher-density apartments, depending on size and location. This includes designating Transit Oriented Development Areas near transit hubs and allowing minimum housing densities. Due to strong program alignment between the Housing Accelerator Fund and the provincial initiatives, HAF funding will support Vancouver in meeting these goals.
- The Prime Minister has recently announced three other HAF agreements in Ontario, including in Brampton, London, and Vaughan. The Government of Canada has announced a further seven HAF agreements this year, in Richmond Hill, Calgary, Kitchener, Kelowna, Hamilton, Halifax, and Moncton. Combined, these agreements will fast track the creation of over 35,000 additional housing units over the next three years alone, and thousands more units in the years to come. An agreement has also been reached with the province of Québec.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
- Since the creation of the NHS, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of over 151,803 units and the repair of over 241,133. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
- Since 2015, the government has helped almost two million Canadians find a place to call home.
Associated Links
- Housing Accelerator Fund
- Housing Accelerator Fund – Building more homes, faster
- Making housing more affordable for Canadians
- National Housing Strategy
December 15, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following change in the senior ranks of the public service:
Michael Mills, currently Assistant Deputy Minister, Procurement Branch, Public Services and Procurement Canada, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement, effective December 18, 2023.
Biographical Note
December 15, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Anick Pelletier, a judge of the Tax Court of Canada, as the new Associate Chief Justice of the Tax Court of Canada.
Associate Chief Justice Pelletier replaces the Honourable Lucie Lamarre, who retired effective August 31, 2021.
Quote
“I wish the Honourable Anick Pelletier every success as she takes on her new role as Associate Chief Justice of the Tax Court of Canada. She is a respected member of the legal community and has decades of experience in many areas of the law. I am confident Associate Chief Justice Pelletier will continue to be a great asset to the Tax Court of Canada.”
Quick Facts
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Biographical Note
December 12, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law, and unequivocally condemned Hamas, its brutal attacks against Israel, and its unacceptable treatment of hostages. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages.
Prime Minister Trudeau stressed the importance of ensuring safe and unimpeded access to life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians. He called for further humanitarian pauses and expressed support for urgent international efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire. The Prime Minister also underscored that this cannot be one-sided, and that Hamas must stop using civilians as human shields, lay down its arms, and can play no role in the future governance of Gaza. He reaffirmed the importance of renewing efforts toward a two-state solution to secure lasting peace in the region.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed the strong bond between Israel and Canada and agreed to remain in contact as the situation develops.
Associated Links
- Canada-Israel relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister on attacks against Israel
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
December 10, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Human Rights Day:
“Seventy-five years ago today, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, enshrining our common belief that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. On this Human Rights Day, we reaffirm the spirit of the Declaration as we continue to work toward a safer, more inclusive world.
“Canada will always defend human rights and democracy. Here at home, we continue to take action to uphold the dignity that everyone deserves, including for historically disadvantaged communities. Earlier this year, we released our 2023-2028 Action Plan, a roadmap to help achieve the objectives set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to advance reconciliation in a meaningful, tangible way. We are also working to implement the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, to advance equal rights and protections for 2SLGBTQI+ communities – helping build a more inclusive, prosperous Canada for everyone.
“Housing is essential to people’s dignity and well-being, and that is why we recognized housing as a human right in the National Housing Strategy Act. Since launching the National Housing Strategy in 2017, we have created or repaired over 150,000 housing units to support the housing needs of those most vulnerable. And we have taken further transformative action to close the housing gap. Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, we are unlocking new housing supply, fast-tracking the construction of thousands of homes across the country.
“Beyond our borders, we are working with our international partners to uphold human rights. We continue to pressure human rights abusers through sanctions, including those in Iran and in Russia. As Russia continues its war of aggression against Ukraine, we are supporting Ukrainians in their fight for democracy and justice.
“Through Canada’s 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights, we are providing funding to projects that help advance the human rights of women and girls, including their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
“We also continue to advocate for those most vulnerable in the face of global challenges, such as the current crisis in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Thousands of families were devastated by Hamas’ terrorist attacks on October 7, and Canada continues to call for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza also remains critical. We continue to call for civilians to be protected, for international law to be upheld, and for the sustained, rapid, and unimpeded access to life-saving assistance for civilians, including food, water, fuel, and emergency medical supplies. All life is equal in worth. All people – in Israel, in the West Bank, in Gaza, and around the world – deserve to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear and with equal human rights.
“Today, as we mark Human Rights Day under the theme ‘Dignity, freedom, and justice for all’, we reflect on the progress we have made and the work still to be done. Together, we can build a more just and fairer world where human rights are protected and respected.”
December 9, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, joined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, met with a delegation of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the Palestinian Authority to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Prime Minister reiterated his condemnation of Hamas and its brutal attacks against Israel. He underscored that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people nor their legitimate aspirations. He also reiterated his call for the immediate release of all remaining hostages and stressed the need to ensure the safe exit of foreign nationals from Gaza.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law, and emphasized the need to protect civilians.
Participants at the meeting exchanged views on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the need for access to urgent, life-saving humanitarian aid.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s support for the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, dignity, and security, without fear. He reaffirmed the importance of renewing efforts toward a two-state solution to secure lasting peace in the region.
Associated Link
December 13, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to congratulate Donald Tusk on his appointment as Prime Minister of Poland:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Donald Tusk on his appointment as Prime Minister of Poland.
“Canada and Poland are strong partners with a longstanding history of co-operation. Close to one million Canadians of Polish ancestry call Canada home, and they form an invaluable piece of our rich cultural mosaic. These people-to-people ties serve as the basis for our strong bilateral relations.
“I look forward to working with Prime Minister Tusk on the issues that matter most to people in both our countries. We are committed to bolstering energy security, promoting the rule of law, fighting climate change, and creating good middle-class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic through the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
“As like-minded partners, Canada and Poland share the universal values of respect for democracy and human rights. We will continue to support Ukraine and hold Russia to account for its illegal war of aggression. And as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, we remain committed to defending transatlantic security and protecting the rules-based international order.
“Canada and Poland will continue to be strong partners as we address the shared challenges of our time and build a better, more prosperous future for our peoples.”
December 13, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan:
“Today, we join millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 87th birthday of their spiritual leader, His Highness the Aga Khan.
“Since he succeeded his grandfather in 1957, the Aga Khan has dedicated his life to helping those most vulnerable and making the world a better place. Through the Aga Khan Development Network, which operates across five continents, His Highness has worked to reduce poverty and improve quality of life for disadvantaged communities around the globe, including in South and Central Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. This includes the work of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada, a strategic partner in Canada’s efforts to reduce poverty and promote democracy in developing countries. The Foundation is dedicated to the empowerment of marginalized groups, including women and girls, by addressing their most pressing needs, which range from high-quality education and health care to economic well-being.
“Canada enjoys a special relationship with the Aga Khan. Together with the Government of Canada, His Highness established the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa, Ontario, to promote equality and advance pluralism around the world. Furthermore, the Aga Khan chose Toronto, Ontario, as the location of North America’s first Islamic arts museum, the Aga Khan Museum, which also serves as a centre of education, pluralism, and tolerance. In recognition of this special relationship, the Government of Canada appointed the Aga Khan as an honorary Companion of the Order of Canada in 2005 and granted him honorary Canadian citizenship in 2009.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank His Highness for his unwavering dedication to helping others. We look forward to further strengthening his relationship with our country and extend warm wishes for a very happy birthday.
“Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak!”
