Ontario Construction News staff writer
Federal Bill C‑20, the Build Canada Homes Act, has received Royal Assent.
The Act creates legislation to establish Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation, strengthening its ability to work with provinces and municipalities, Indigenous partners and the private and non-profit sectors to develop affordable housing, the Department of Housing said in a press release.
As a Crown corporation, Build Canada Homes will have legislative authority and operational flexibility needed to access additional financial sources and make equity investments.
Royal Assent, required before a bill becomes law, represents a step in a phased transition. Further steps before Build Canada Homes becomes fully operational as a Crown corporation later this year include orders in council, governance implementation, and leadership appointments.
Build Canada Homes is a federal agency that will scale up affordable housing by using public lands and financial incentives to attract private capital, support large projects and promote modern construction methods.
Since its launch in September 2025, the agency has advanced six affordable housing projects, representing more than 11,000 new homes underway or nearing construction.
“Build Canada Homes is already moving projects forward and getting more homes built across Canada,” said Ana Bailão, Build Canada Homes CEO.
“With Royal Assent, we’re strengthening how we build more homes faster for Canadians who need it most,” added Housing Minister Gregor Robertson.
