ADVOCACY
Canada’s growing population demands a stronger response from housing policy. Years of underbuilding, driven by inconsistent and often counterproductive federal policies, have made it harder—not easier—for developers to deliver the apartments Canadians need.
Private apartment developers are ready to lead, but need the federal government to reduce red tape, align incentives, and remove barriers to building at scale.
Fact:
90% of apartment buildings in Canada have been built by private Canadian developers.
The National Apartment Council is working to ensure private apartment developers are represented in federal policy conversations. Our goal is to modernize housing policy, reduce costs, and unlock investment by addressing the policy barriers developers face.
Top Priorities:
- CMHC reform and policy stability — More predictability, transparency, and engagement with the sector
- Tax reform and financial clarity — Including HST, DCC treatment, and CRA interpretations
- National consistency in regulations — Including building code harmonization and coordinated land-use policy
- Direct federal engagement — Securing developer input on MURB and all housing-related programs
- MURB Program – successful implementation by Federal Government with input from private developers
Want to help influence national housing policy?
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The National Apartment Council actively engages with federal policymakers, national partners, and housing-sector leaders to advance practical solutions that accelerate rental housing construction. Our work is supported by experienced advisors with deep backgrounds in federal policy, development economics, and the apartment sector.
Our government relations efforts concentrate on three areas:
- Federal Policy Engagement: Advancing solutions such as MURB incentives, HST clarity, CMHC modernization, and cost‑relief measures through ongoing dialogue with key departments, elected officials, and federal agencies.
- Public Communications & Positioning: Establishing a clear, evidence‑based voice for private apartment developers through media engagement, strategic messaging, and digital communication.
- Industry & Member Coordination: Ensuring that the insights of leading private developers are consistently reflected in national housing conversations and federal decision‑making.
This approach strengthens the National Apartment Council’s presence in Ottawa and ensures that federal policy development is informed by real‑world experience, practical expertise, and the priorities of private apartment developers across Canada.
INDUSTRY TOPICS
Industry Intelligence
Tracking the trends, risks, and solutions shaping apartment development in Canada.
Canada’s apartment sector is under pressure. Rising costs, regulatory complexity, shifting demographics, and changing expectations are reshaping how developers plan, build, and operate rental housing. The National Apartment Council tracks key industry issues and policy developments to support better decision-making and a stronger national voice for apartment developers.
What We Cover:
- Financing & Risk: How CMHC policy, interest rates, and capital flows are influencing project feasibility.
- Tax & Regulation: HST, CRA interpretations, and evolving cost drivers.
- Supply Constraints: Zoning, approvals, and the economics of land and materials.
- Federal Housing Policy: Tracking key developments from Ottawa.
- Development Trends: New building forms, innovations, and shifting market segments.
- Best Practices: Lessons from other jurisdictions, and international peers.
Be the First to Know:
The National Apartment Council’s monthly bulletin delivers curated insights, policy updates, and member-only briefs.
SOCIAL IMPACT
A strong apartment sector is about more than buildings—it’s about people. When development is feasible, predictable, and cost-effective, more Canadians can access housing that meets their needs. The National Apartment Council’s efforts help drive:
- Greater housing access and affordability: More homes built faster means Canadians spend less time in housing limbo and more time living securely.
- Healthier communities: Housing is a core social determinant of health. When people are stably housed, they experience better health, education, and employment outcomes.
- Reduced inequality: Lower-income households benefit when supply increases and prices stabilize – a win for equity and economic mobility.
- Improved economic productivity: When workers can afford to live near jobs, businesses thrive, and urban infrastructure is used more efficiently.
Canada is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis – one that, if unaddressed, risks eroding public trust, fueling anti-immigrant sentiment, and contributing to social instability. The cost of inaction will be felt not only in strained communities and economies, but in the opportunities we deny the next generation. We are sacrificing the future of our children by failing to provide access to safe, secure, and affordable rental housing.
Want to Contribute?
We welcome original insight, member perspectives, and commentary from across the sector.
