Hopes for co-op housing boost in Canada following elections

Justin Trudeau, of the Liberal Party of Canada, has been elected Prime Minister. Mr Trudeau has previously been vocally supportive of co-operatives, and there are hopes that his...

Justin Trudeau, of the Liberal Party of Canada, has been elected Prime Minister. Mr Trudeau has previously been vocally supportive of co-operatives, and there are hopes that his election will lead to a boost for the sector.

“We recognize the vitally important role that co-operatives play in our economy and in communities across the country,” said Mr Trudeau in a statement during Canada’s annual Co-op Week, which this year was marked from 11-17 October.

“With over 18 million Canadians who are members of the more than 9,000 co-operatives across the country, these innovative enterprises create jobs and contribute to regional economies where private businesses would not see the desired returns on equity – particularly in rural areas.”

As well as being the second-youngest prime minister in Canadian history, at 43, Mr Trudeau is also the first child of a previous prime minister to hold the post. His father, Pierre Trudeau, was Liberal prime minister in office from 1968-79 and 1980-84, and was known for his progressive values and close ties with the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, a social-democratic and democratic socialist political party.

Prior to his election, Justin Trudeau acknowledged the “essential” role that co-operatives play in daily life across Canada, and expressed his belief that support for co-operatives from federal government must be strengthened.

One of the most significant outcomes of the election for co-operatives is for the country’s housing sector. “As part of a historic, ten-year investment of nearly $20 billion in social infrastructure, a Liberal government will renew federal leadership in housing, help build more housing units and refurbish existing ones, renew current co-operative agreements, and provide operational funding support for municipalities,” said Mr Trudeau.

This would include renewing support for ‘Housing First’ initiatives that help homeless people find stable housing, he added.

The Co-operative Housing Federation (CHF) of Canada has congratulated Mr Trudeau, and hopes to support the Liberal Party in delivering this funding commitment.

“After a long campaign, Canadians have elected a new majority government with a strong mandate to implement a platform which includes renewing affordable housing infrastructure and preserving the affordability of co-operative housing,” said CHF Canada executive director Nicholas Gazzard.

“Co-op members met many of these new MPs at candidate events in communities across the country. We are confident that these Members of Parliament heard our concerns and will support the protection of Canada’s housing co-ops.”

  • Correction: Pierre Trudeau was prime minster from 1968-79 and 1980-84, not just from 1980, as initially stated. 
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