Ontario is in election mode, and a federal election may be just around the corner. Housing advocacy in an election year is crucial. With so much at stake for housing policy, now is the time for non-profit housing providers to engage with candidates and advocate for housing solutions that address the affordability crisis. 

Elections are an opportunity where candidates are listening, parties are shaping their platforms, and the policies that will define housing for years to come are being debated. 

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. 

What is government relations and why does it matter? 

Government Relations (GR) is about building relationships with decision-makers (MPPs, MPs, ministers, and local representatives) to influence policies and funding decisions. 

At its core, GR is about communicating the right message to the right people at the right time. For housing providers, this means: 

Ontario Queen's Park
  • Raising awareness about the challenges facing the sector. 
  • Proposing solutions that align with government priorities. 
  • Building relationships with policymakers before and after the election. 

The goal is to ensure that housing remains a priority for whichever party forms the next government. 

What happens during an election? 

Once an election is called, the government enters “caretaker mode,” meaning: 

  • Routine government operations continue. 
  • No major new spending or policy decisions happen. 
  • Ministers remain in their roles but cannot use government resources for campaigning. 
  • Political campaigns ramp up, with candidates meeting voters and announcing policy plans. 

For housing providers, this means now is the time to engage. Candidates are looking for issues that resonate with voters, and housing needs to be central to the conversation. 

How housing providers can engage this election season 

Engaging in elections doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are simple, effective ways to ensure housing stays on the agenda: 

1. Connect with Candidates

Reaching out to your local candidates is one of the most impactful things you can do. Invite them to: 

  • Visit a housing site to see the impact firsthand. 
  • Attend a roundtable with housing providers and community leaders. 
  • Have a one-on-one discussion about housing challenges in your community. 

Why? Candidates want to meet voters and community leaders. A strong relationship now makes it easier to have influence after the election. 

Tip: Be clear, professional, and persistent. If a candidate is unavailable, ask to meet their campaign team instead. 

2. Make your message clear and impactful

Politicians hear from many groups, so make your message easy to understand by clearly outlining a problem, solution, and impact.  

Check out ONPHA’s Key Messages for ready-to-use advocacy points. 

Tip: Frame your message in a way that connects with candidates’ priorities, whether it’s economic growth, public health, or social stability. 

3. Stay non-partisan, but persistent 

  • Engage with all political parties equally. Governments change, but housing needs remain. 
  • Keep the conversation going. Even if a candidate doesn’t win, they could become an important ally in the future. 
  • Follow up. After an initial meeting, send a quick email reinforcing your key points. 

 Tip: Being non-partisan strengthens your credibility and ensures housing remains a long-term policy focus, regardless of who wins. 

4. Use your networks to amplify the message 

You don’t have to do this alone. The more people who talk about housing, the more attention it will get. 

  • Post on social media about key housing issues. 
  • Encourage supporters to attend debates and ask housing-related questions. 
  • Share candidate responses to housing questions with your network. 

Tip: ONPHA has resources to help! Use our advocacy toolkit for tips on how to engage candidates and mobilize your community. 

What happens after the election? 

The work doesn’t stop when the election is over!

Here’s what to do next: 

  • Congratulate newly elected representatives. This is a great way to establish a relationship early. 
  • Request follow-up meetings to discuss housing priorities and potential policy changes. 
  • Keep advocating. Housing policy is shaped year-round, and decisions in the first months of a new government set the tone for the years ahead. 

Tip: ONPHA provides ongoing advocacy support. If you need help connecting with policymakers post-election, reach out to policy@onpha.org. 

Housing providers have a critical role to play 

The future of housing policy will be shaped by the commitments made during this year’s elections. This is your chance to ensure that affordable housing stays on the agenda. Together, we can ensure that community housing is a provincial priority.