Who handles housing?
Housing
Housing policy involves all three levels of government. The federal government provides national strategy and mortgage insurance, provinces regulate tenancy and building codes, and municipalities handle zoning and local development.
⚠️ Shared Jurisdiction: This area involves multiple levels of government. The information below shows the primary responsibility at each level, but overlap is common. When in doubt, start with the level most directly related to your issue.
Federal
Parliament of Canada
- ● National Housing Strategy
- ● Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
- ● Indigenous housing on-reserve
- ● First-Time Home Buyer Incentive
💡 Example: Contact CMHC about mortgage insurance, or your MP about federal affordable housing investments.
Provincial
Provincial Legislature
- ● Rent control and tenant protections (varies by province)
- ● Building codes and standards
- ● Social housing funding
- ● Landlord-tenant dispute resolution boards
💡 Example: File a complaint with your provincial landlord-tenant board, or contact your MPP/MLA about rent control policies.
Municipal
City / Town Hall
- ● Building permits and inspections
- ● Zoning and land use
- ● Property standards and by-laws
- ● Local affordable housing programs
💡 Example: Apply for a building permit through your city's planning department, or contact your councillor about zoning changes.
Quick Reference — Who to Contact
🏛️ Federal
Your Member of Parliament (MP)
🏢 Provincial
Your MPP, MLA, or MNA
🏘️ Municipal
Your City Councillor
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