Habitat III

The Government of Canada is committed to a people-centred approach in the adoption of progressive and inclusive policies. Developing these policies means understanding the realities faced by all Canadians including its most vulnerable groups: Indigenous people, immigrants, youth, seniors, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQ. The current landscape for these groups includes significant hurdles such as disparities in income, educational opportunities and access to social programming.

The ways in which cities are developed impacts social inclusivity and environmental sustainability. To address the complexities and interrelated nature of these, all orders of Canadian government are working together to engage the public in more meaningful consultation, incorporating long-term considerations into decision making and going beyond conventional land use planning through the practice of Sustainable Community Planning. Through measures such as the Federal Gas Tax Fund, communities are developing Integrated Community Sustainability Plans.

A clean environment is closely tied to quality of life, local resilience and the social and economic opportunities available in cities and communities. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to transforming the way we live, work and move around our communities, Canada is committed to being a climate leader. Budget 2016 proposes to provide almost $2.9 billion over five years to address climate change including extensive support for green technologies, municipal projects and air pollution reduction.

Recognizing that poverty is a complex issue, the Government of Canada is working with its provincial/territorial and municipal partners to create safer, healthier communities. This includes initiatives addressing the well-being of vulnerable groups including youth, women, Indigenous communities and Indigenous women. The Government of Canada is also developing a Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy to address the root causes of poverty going forward.

In an environment of sustained economic weakness and historically low interest rates, fiscal policy is the right policy lever to use to support long-term growth. Investing in infrastructure creates good, well-paying jobs that can help the urban middle class grow and prosper today and for generations to come. Prosperous cities also require equal opportunities for all citizens. The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing the educational and employment opportunities for all Canadians including vulnerable populations through a wide range of programs.

Stable, affordable housing and basic services are the foundation for healthy living and a building block for success in other areas such as education, the labour market and community engagement. In addition to the nation-wide $2 billion annual investment in affordable housing, the Government of Canada is committed to improving the lives of Indigenous people through the provision of basic services. To address these pressing needs, the Government of Canada will invest $8.4 billion over the next five years to improve community infrastructure, water and wastewater facilities, education and family support, and housing.

Canada recognizes that solving these challenges within its own borders requires the engagement of all stakeholders. From cooperation between all levels of government, the private sector, community organizations, Indigenous groups and civil society, everyone has a valuable part to play in the improvement of Canadian cities and to find innovative solutions to persistent social problems at the local level. The fight for equality, inclusivity and a healthy environment requires all levels of government to work cooperatively to find innovative solutions to complex persistent challenges that show positive and measurable results for all citizens. The Government of Canada has committed to renewed collaboration with provinces/territories and municipal governments to achieve these goals. 

Canada is committed to the vision of the New Urban Agenda and is taking strong action to positively shape the Canadian cities of tomorrow. Working with a wide array of stakeholders, the Government of Canada is in the process of developing important action plans including the National Housing Strategy, the National Action Plan on Poverty, the National Early Learning and Childcare Framework, the National Climate Plan, the National Infrastructure Plan and the Strategy on Innovation. Each of these strategies will play an integral role as part of the broader efforts of Canadians from coast to coast in creating healthier, stronger communities.