QUESTION PERIOD — National Defence
Military Housing
April 30, 2026
My question is to the Government Representative in the Senate.
The Auditor General of Canada released a report in October 2025 entitled Housing Canadian Armed Forces Members. The report found that, overall, National Defence did not manage living accommodations in a manner that would meet its operational needs and be responsive to the needs of Canadian Armed Forces members.
The report noted, referring to our Armed Forces members:
It is important for their morale and well-being that they can access affordable housing in good condition with sufficient living space for their needs.
The Auditor General has stated that this issue is particularly important because the Canadian Armed Forces is planning to add additional members. The Department of National Defence accepted the recommendations and committed to making measurable improvements.
Can you provide an update on the actions taken by the department?
Thank you for the question, Senator MacAdam.
The government has accepted the Auditor General’s recommendations and is taking concrete actions to better support Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. That’s why the government launched a historic military housing expansion, with over $3.7 billion to deliver approximately 7,500 new residential units nationwide. Phase one is already delivering over 8,000 new units in high-pressure markets, while phase two will modernize housing across 25 military locations to strengthen recruitment, retention and operational readiness.
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
The Auditor General’s report also found that National Defence did not have reliable data about its overall portfolio of quarters, including the number and types of spaces and their locations.
Can you provide an update on any improvements in this area regarding the reliability of data?
Yes, Senator MacAdam. The department recognizes that reliable housing data is essential to managing military accommodation effectively. The government is taking a more targeted and modernized approach to respond to housing needs in the Canadian Armed Forces to ensure military families can access appropriate accommodation in a more timely manner. This is part of a broader strategy the government is now putting in place.
