Director General: Canada looks to Azerbaijan for affordable housing lessons

Cheri Reddin has said Canada wants to study the practical experience of Azerbaijan and other countries in the South Caucasus and Central Asia as it seeks to improve access to affordable housing.

Speaking to Report on the sidelines of the World Urban Forum 13, Reddin, who serves as a senior official at Canada’s housing and infrastructure ministry, said Ottawa is prioritising housing affordability and inclusivity as core measures of social equity.

She noted that Canada defines “affordable” housing as costing no more than around 30% of a household’s annual income. However, she acknowledged that many Canadians currently spend significantly more than this threshold, adding that rising demand and limited supply continue to pressure the market.

“We are focused on increasing housing supply to ease pressure from market forces and improve affordability,” she said, adding that Canada is pursuing policies aimed at expanding construction and widening access to housing.

Reddin said Canada is particularly interested in examining approaches used in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, arguing that comparative experience could help refine domestic policy. “This will help us develop approaches that reflect real needs and expectations,” she said.

She added that Canada intends to continue working through United Nations platforms, sharing its own experience while also drawing on international best practices and adapting them to national conditions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev