Jeff West (right), Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North, joins members of the national Habitat delegation on Parliament Hill with Member of Parliament Sukhman Gill to discuss affordable homeownership solutions and federal support for non-market housing models.

Executive Director Jeff West meets MPs in Ottawa during annual Habitat on the Hill event to champion housing affordability & federal policy change

Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North joined Habitat leaders from across Canada in Ottawa for Habitat on the Hill, an annual government relations and advocacy event that champions affordable homeownership as part of Canada’s housing strategy.

Executive Director Jeff West represented the Vancouver Island North affiliate as part of the British Columbia caucus, meeting with Members of Parliament including Bob Zimmer and Sukhman Gill to discuss policies that can make homeownership possible for more Canadians. While in Ottawa, West also toured a leading pre-fabrication facility, Caivan, and returned home inspired by approaches that could build homes more efficiently and affordably on the Island.

“Homeownership remains a strong aspiration for Canadians, and is a vital contributor to Canada’s economy,” said Pedro Barata, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “Without targeted federal support we risk denying Canadians a fair chance at owning their home.”

“It was my pleasure to assemble with Habitat leaders from across the country last week in Ottawa to advocate for affordable homeownership for Canadian families,” said Jeff West, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North. “We met with Members of Parliament from all provinces and welcomed investment in the Build Canada Homes strategy to further our work. We also advocated for adoption of the GST rebate on homes under $1 million for first-time buyers and encouraged all Parliamentarians to support the measure. Removing GST from the purchase of affordable homes will allow us to help more families, faster. This cost is often absorbed by local Habitat affiliates and since 2017, Habitat has paid over $20 million in GST. Canadian families have not given up on the dream of homeownership, and neither has Habitat for Humanity.”

This year’s Habitat on the Hill coincided with the release of Federal Budget 2025. Habitat for Humanity Canada welcomed continued housing investments while calling for clear, time-bound commitments that include non-market homeownership models like Habitat’s. Every federal dollar invested in Habitat helps catalyze additional funding from communities, businesses and volunteers - maximizing impact and building more homes for working families who need them most.

As Habitat Vancouver Island North prepares to launch its annual giving campaign, West encourages the community to act locally. “What happens on Parliament Hill matters, but the real impact starts right here at home. When community members and businesses give, volunteer, or shop at the ReStores, they help build strength and stability for local families. Together, we make homeownership more accessible for the next generation. Government policy will never replace that kind of impact.

Jeff West (centre right) and members of the Habitat for Humanity national team meeting Member of Parliament Bob Zimmer in Ottawa, advocating for targeted measures such as the GST rebate on homes under $1 million and increased investment in affordable homeownership programs.

To learn more or make a donation toward affordable homeownership in the Comox Valley and Campbell River, visit https://vin.habitat.ca/en/ways...