Statement by the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada on the 50th Anniversary of Habitat I

Ottawa, Ontario, May 12, 2026 – As the world marks the 50th anniversary of Habitat I and the Vancouver Declaration, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) is proud to honour Canada’s long-standing partnership with UN-Habitat and reaffirm our shared commitment to building connected, equitable and sustainable communities.

Today, the challenges first seen in Vancouver—housing affordability, climate resilient infrastructure, equitable urban development—are felt acutely by Canadians across the country. Indeed, these issues now form part of global housing pressures affecting cities and communities in both developed and developing countries alike. That is why our collaboration with UN-Habitat remains so important.

Through the recently established UN-Habitat Canada Office in Montréal, HICC works with domestic and international partners to support innovation, advance applied research, pilot  housing and infrastructure solutions, and facilitate policy and technical exchange to strengthen the capacity of communities across the country to respond to our most pressing housing challenges.

This anniversary offers an opportunity not just to reflect, but to act. HICC is committed to supporting coordinated Canadian engagement in the global urban agenda, ensuring that local voices, Indigenous perspectives, and Canadian expertise contribute meaningfully to shaping cities worldwide.

We welcome the work underway with partners—including Canadian post-secondary institutions, civil society organizations, provinces and territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities—to advance housing solutions, improve urban resilience, and align Canada’s efforts with global milestones such as the upcoming World Urban Forum 13 and the review of Sustainable Development Goal 11 and the New Urban Agenda.

As we continue to advance solutions to housing challenges, HICC will continue working with UN‑Habitat to help ensure that all Canadians—whether in large cities, small towns, rural areas, or northern and Indigenous communities—have access to safe, affordable, and sustainable places to call home.

— The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada