Habitat III

Consultation has concluded

As Canada's Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and head of Canada’s official delegation, I would like to acknowledge the impressive level of collaboration and discussion that led to the adoption of the New Urban Agenda at the Habitat III Summit in Quito, Ecuador. The adoption of this ambitious declaration strengthens the commitments of governments around the globe to make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of towns, cities and human settlements for the next 20 years.

I am particularly proud of Canada’s active participation in and meaningful contribution to the New Urban Agenda. We took strong leadership in the promotion of inclusive and diverse communities. Throughout the process and during the Summit, we were a strong advocate for equality and the inclusion of under‑represented groups. Going forward, we will continue to advocate for the inclusion of all peoples, both at home and abroad.

Across the globe, Canada is seen as a leader in the areas of partnership and innovation. Working together is something that Canada does well, and I believe this will be vital as we undertake the important work of implementing the New Urban Agenda at home. If we are to achieve the strong, safe, clean and inclusive cities we strive for, it will require us to continue working in partnership with provinces, municipalities, academia, civil society, youth, Indigenous people and others to make it happen.

The principles agreed to at Habitat III will guide effort as our government embarks on the development of important national strategies and solutions related to housing, poverty reduction, child care, infrastructure, climate change and other challenges.

Canada is at its best when all communities have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We understand that there is a lot of work to be done, but also that working together can help ensure that everyone has the quality of life they deserve.

We are now heading into the most interesting part of the process—translating what we’ve learned into concrete action. In order to do so, I am inviting Canadians who participated in the Habitat III Summit in Quito, as well as Canadians who followed it from afar, to express their views and provide feedback on what was learned from Habitat III and how we can implement the New Urban Agenda at home.


The consultation will run until December 9, 2016.


The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development







As Canada's Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and head of Canada’s official delegation, I would like to acknowledge the impressive level of collaboration and discussion that led to the adoption of the New Urban Agenda at the Habitat III Summit in Quito, Ecuador. The adoption of this ambitious declaration strengthens the commitments of governments around the globe to make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of towns, cities and human settlements for the next 20 years.

I am particularly proud of Canada’s active participation in and meaningful contribution to the New Urban Agenda. We took strong leadership in the promotion of inclusive and diverse communities. Throughout the process and during the Summit, we were a strong advocate for equality and the inclusion of under‑represented groups. Going forward, we will continue to advocate for the inclusion of all peoples, both at home and abroad.

Across the globe, Canada is seen as a leader in the areas of partnership and innovation. Working together is something that Canada does well, and I believe this will be vital as we undertake the important work of implementing the New Urban Agenda at home. If we are to achieve the strong, safe, clean and inclusive cities we strive for, it will require us to continue working in partnership with provinces, municipalities, academia, civil society, youth, Indigenous people and others to make it happen.

The principles agreed to at Habitat III will guide effort as our government embarks on the development of important national strategies and solutions related to housing, poverty reduction, child care, infrastructure, climate change and other challenges.

Canada is at its best when all communities have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We understand that there is a lot of work to be done, but also that working together can help ensure that everyone has the quality of life they deserve.

We are now heading into the most interesting part of the process—translating what we’ve learned into concrete action. In order to do so, I am inviting Canadians who participated in the Habitat III Summit in Quito, as well as Canadians who followed it from afar, to express their views and provide feedback on what was learned from Habitat III and how we can implement the New Urban Agenda at home.


The consultation will run until December 9, 2016.


The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development







Discussions: All (10) Open (0)
  • CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

  • CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    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.




  • CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    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.







  • CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    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.






  • CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    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.






  • CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    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.







  • CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    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.







  • CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    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. 







  • CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    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.