Election advocacy for non-profit housing providers
Build, protect, and support community housing in Ontario
Election advocacy for non-profit housing providers is more important than ever. Election periods are a critical opportunity to put community housing at the forefront. As non-profit housing providers, your voice is key in shaping policies that will build, protect, and support Ontario’s community housing sector.
ONPHA is committed to working with all parties to advance solutions for safe, stable, and affordable housing. We invite you to join us in advocating for the future of community housing this election.
This hub provides the resources you need to engage with candidates and decision-makers effectively. Together, we can ensure that, regardless of the election outcome, community housing remains a priority.
Key advocacy resources
Materials to support direct engagement with candidates and policymakers.
Provincial Election: A Housing Platform
Help amplify our recommendations to build a stronger housing system in Ontario.
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2025 Ontario Provincial Election: Housing Commitments Tracker
This tracker provides an overview of each major Ontario party’s housing policies and commitments, helping voters compare platforms and understand their plans to address the housing crisis.
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Your Guide to Election Engagement
FAQs, recommendations and best practices for housing providers.
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MPP Outreach: Letter Template
Customize this template letter to engage with your riding’s MPP.
DownloadLearn and stay informed
Explore deeper insights and ongoing updates.
How to drive housing change now and beyond the election
February 12, 2025
The provincial election is a crucial moment for affordable housing advocacy, but the work continues after the votes are counted. In this episode, find inspiration and discover practical ways to advocate at the local level, influence housing policy, and build lasting momentum beyond the election. Listen now.
New on the blog: Housing advocacy in an election year
February 18, 2025
This guide breaks down how you can get involved, what government relations (GR) means for your work, and simple, effective ways to make an impact during this critical time. Read more.
2025 ONPHA Sector Summit
April 9, 2025 | Member-exclusive virtual event
With two key elections this year, evolving policies, and emerging opportunities, staying informed is more important than ever. Join us for the Sector Summit, an essential event for Ontario’s non-profit housing providers to stay engaged in the latest advocacy and policy discussions. Learn more.
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🏡 A Platform for Community Housing 🏡 We’re calling on all parties to support real solutions to Ontario’s housing crisis through the Build, Protect & Support strategy:
✔️ Build more community housing
✔️ Protect existing community housing
✔️ Support housing providers
📢 Share this message, read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections
🏡 Build More Community Housing: Fund Non-Profit Acquisitions 🏡 Ontario needs an Acquisition Fund to help non-profits buy rental units and keep housing affordable. We’re calling on all parties to take action.
✅ Expand affordable housing faster
✅ Ensure stable, low-end market rents
✅ Strengthen non-profits & reduce reliance on government funding
The private market keeps growing—community housing must, too.
Read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections
🏡 Protect Community Housing: Fund Critical Repairs 🏡 Ontario’s community housing is aging, and without urgent capital repairs, homes will be lost. Many buildings from the 1960s–1980s are in poor condition, impacting tenants and limiting providers’ ability to grow.
✅ Improve living conditions for tenants
✅ Help providers secure financing for expansion
✅ Protect and sustain existing community housing
Read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections
🏡 Support Tenants & Housing Providers: Fix LTB Delays 🏡
Severe delays at Ontario’s Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) hurt both tenants and community housing providers. Months-long wait times lead to housing instability for tenants and financial strain for providers operating on thin margins.
✅ Ensure timely rulings for tenants
✅ Prevent extended periods without rent payments
✅ Protect providers’ ability to maintain & grow housing
We urge the province to prioritize LTB hearings and introduce emergency hearings for severe cases. Timely decisions matter.
Read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections
🏡 Support Indigenous Housing: Establish an Advisory Table 🏡
Ontario’s Indigenous communities need culturally appropriate housing solutions, and that requires ongoing dialogue with the Indigenous non-profit housing sector. We urge the Ontario government to create a formal Indigenous Housing Advisory Table to:
✅ Ensure Indigenous voices shape housing policy
✅ Facilitate collaboration & informed decision-making
✅ Develop inclusive strategies to address housing challenges
A real commitment to Indigenous housing starts with listening.
Read @ONPHA’s full housing platform and get advocacy resources: onpha.on.ca/elections
Learn more about our advocacy initiatives and get in touch with us at policy@onpha.org.