Should the government incentivize the construction of affordable housing?

2. **Health and Well-being**:
- **Data**: A study by the Wellesley Institute found that Canadians in stable housing situations are less likely to use emergency healthcare services, resulting in a 29% reduction in healthcare costs.
- **Context**: Affordable housing reduces stress and improves mental and physical health, contributing to better overall health outcomes for Canadians.

3. **Reduction in Homelessness**:
- **Data**: The Homeless Hub reports that the annual cost of homelessness in Canada is approximately $7 billion, including emergency shelters, social services, healthcare, and corrections. Providing affordable housing can significantly reduce these costs.
- **Context**: Affordable housing helps decrease homelessness rates, lowering the burden on emergency services and providing a more cost-effective solution to homelessness.

4. **Community Cohesion**:
- **Data**: The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness found that mixed-income housing developments can reduce social isolation and increase community participation by 15%.
- **Context**: Affordable housing supports diverse, inclusive communities, fostering social cohesion and reducing economic segregation in Canadian cities.

5. **Moral Responsibility**:
- **Data**: The Government of Canada recognizes housing as a fundamental human right and has committed to ending chronic homelessness by 2030 under the National Housing Strategy.
- **Context**: Providing affordable housing is a moral obligation that aligns with Canada’s commitment to human rights, ensuring all Canadians have access to safe and adequate housing.

6. **Long-term Savings**:
- **Data**: Research by the At Home/Chez Soi project demonstrated that every $10 invested in supportive housing for homeless individuals with mental illness resulted in $21.72 in savings related to healthcare, social services, and justice system costs.
- **Context**: Investments in affordable housing generate long-term savings for Canadian governments by reducing the need for expensive social services and emergency interventions.

7. **Environmental Benefits**:
- **Data**: CMHC’s initiatives for green building practices in affordable housing projects have shown reductions in energy use by up to 30%, lowering utility costs and environmental impacts.
- **Context**: Sustainable affordable housing developments contribute to Canada’s environmental goals by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

8. **Crime Reduction**:
- **Data**: Studies by the Centre for Urban Research and Education (CURE) indicate that stable housing can lead to a 12% decrease in crime rates in Canadian communities.
- **Context**: Affordable housing provides stable environments, enhancing public safety and reducing crime rates, which lowers the costs associated with policing and corrections.

In summary, affordable housing in Canada is essential for economic growth, improved health outcomes, reduced homelessness, community cohesion, moral equity, long-term savings, environmental sustainability, and crime reduction. The data and context underscore the significant positive impacts affordable housing has on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.