Canada's universities provide world-class education and attract top talent from across the globe to study at our institutions. Recent comments conflating international students and the housing crisis are deeply concerning to Universities Canada and our members. International students bring important knowledge, diversity and skills to our campuses, communities and workforce. We must continue to welcome them to study at Canadian universities.
The housing crisis in Canada is a complex and systemic issue that requires collaboration between all levels of government and housing partners. Now more than ever, we need the federal government to provide national leadership and support community partners, like universities, who can deliver housing in communities across the country. Specifically, we call on the federal government to:
- Expand access to low-cost financing to build housing
- Broaden eligibility for housing programs through the National Housing Strategy
- Support affordable housing projects in communities across the country
Our institutions have long provided student housing and continue to build more purpose-built student rentals to meet growing demand. Universities are building thousands of new units to house students in communities across the country, providing resources and services to help students access off-campus housing and developing innovative housing models to relieve market pressures in their surrounding communities.
Canada's universities are committed to working with all levels of government to address the housing needs of students and all Canadians in a responsible and sustainable way.
