We call upon the federal government to implement a Youth Housing Accelerator Fund to help create one million new units of affordable housing for young Canadians by 2030.

Canada is in the midst of a housing crisis, and as youth (18-29), we are particularly vulnerable. 60% of Canadians in their 20s are very worried about finding affordable housing. That number sits at 37% for Canadians over 40.

However, only one measure in the 2024 federal budget allocated funding directly towards increasing the housing supply for Canadian youth. This was a commitment to building more student homes, for which the federal government allocated $19 million over the next five years. 

Although a step in the right direction, this is a drop in the bucket. For context, the 2024 budget committed a total of $8.5 billion towards housing over the next five years.

And we, Canada’s youth, need more affordable housing. Here’s why:

• Inadequate housing environment: Only 55% of Canadian youth are satisfied with our current living situations, and 32% of us want to move but can't afford to. 
• Urban living costs: 86% of Canadian youth live in cities, and those of us living in cities spend an average of $750 more than we earn each month. 
• Student housing shortage: Canada has enough student housing for around 16% of full-time students, compared to 47% in the UK and 45% in the US.
• Challenges starting a family: 32% of Canadians in their 20s don’t think they will have access to housing suitable for starting a family within the next three years. 

The federal government has implemented housing programs targeted at specific demographics in the past, such as a $200-million commitment to increasing affordable housing for seniors in Budget 2016. Canadian youth need a similarly targeted and specific form of support. 

We call upon the federal government to implement a Youth Housing Accelerator Fund to help create one million new units of affordable housing for young Canadians by 2030. 

We want to make sure we can afford to live and build a future in Canada. Join us. Sign the petition. Share it with your friends. Let’s make sure our voices are heard!