The federal government has committed to an investment of more than $1.9 billion through the IAH over 8 years. Provinces and territories are cost-matching the federal investment.

In recognition of the distinctive needs of Nunavut, an additional $100 million over two years (2013-2015) has been invested by the Government of Canada to support new affordable housing in Nunavut.

The National IAH Funding Table provides information on the federal investment for each province and territory.

The National IAH Funding Table also summarizes the amount of federal funding claimed in each jurisdiction and the number of households/units that have benefited from the IAH to date.

Canadians being assisted through programs under the IAH include seniors and persons with disabilities. From April 2011 to March 2016 more than 24,500 households were able to continue to live independently as a result of the IAH. During that same period funding under the IAH also provided support for 2,997 households that were victims of family violence.

Federal funding delivered under the IAH totalled more than $1.432 billion from April 2011 to the end of March 2017. Provincial and territorial contributions under the IAH, which include contributions from the private and non-profit sectors, have resulted in a further $1.693 billion towards addressing housing need over the same period.

Provinces and territories also report annually to their citizens on progress toward the achievement of intended outcomes of the IAH from the combined federal and provincial/territorial investments. For more information, CMHC has links to the annual public reporting by provinces and territories.

The IAH combines the Government of Canada's funding for off-reserve affordable housing that was previously delivered separately though the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) and off-reserve renovation programs.

Through the IAH the Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories are best positioned to decide how to target funding in order to make a lasting difference. Under bilateral agreements with CMHC, provinces and territories cost-match the federal investment and are responsible for choosing the programs they design and deliver to address local housing needs and priorities. As housing needs can vary across the country, under the IAH provinces and territories have the flexibility to invest in a range of programs and initiatives in order to reduce the number of Canadians in housing need.

The Investment in Affordable Housing uses a variety of tools to understand more about “suitable housing.” One of these is the National Occupancy Standard, developed in the mid-80ies. Learn more about how the Standard contributes to our understanding of housing needs and conditions in Canadian communities.

Below is a snapshot of how provinces and territories have used the flexibility under the IAH to improve access to affordable housing during the 2011-2017 period:

IAH Total Funding by
Spending Category (2011-2017)

■New Supply
■Renovation
■Housing affordability
■Independent living

IAH Households Assisted by
Spending Category (2011-2017)

■New supply
■Renovation
■Housing affordability
■Independent living