The federal government is both a user and sponsor of research but also has direct research capacity through a number of departments and agencies:

• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is mandated by the National Housing Act to undertake and distribute research
• Statistics Canada works closely with CMHC to ensure that census and other surveys provide relevant data
• The National Research Council includes the Institute for Research in Construction which undertakes technical research
• Natural Resources Canada has an interest in housing research because of its focus on energy utilization patterns and environmental impacts
• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) coordinates research on homelessness
• The Canadian Centre for Housing Technology is a unique facility that tests innovative technologies
• The federally sponsored Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) also undertakes research on the impacts of housing on health
• Health Canada conducts and coordinates research on the relationships between housing, indoor environments and health
• Infrastructure Canada provides a focal point on infrastructure issues and programs through Building Canada plan and leads federal efforts in addressing the infrastructure challenges across the country.

Provincial and territorial governments are also involved in housing and related research to varying degrees. Quebec, for example, has a significant research focus within the SHQ (Societé d’habitation du Québec). Ontario has begun to devote more resources to research and has established a website for its research publications. Information on housing research activities for each province and territory can be found at the following links:

• Newfoundland and Labrador – Housing Corporation
• Nova Scotia - Community Services – Housing and Repairs
• Prince Edward Island - Provincial Housing Services
• New Brunswick – Housing Programs
• Quebec – Société d’habitation du Québec
• Ontario – Municipal Affairs and Housing
• Manitoba – Housing Services
• Saskatchewan – Social Services – Housing
• Alberta –Housing and Urban Affairs
• British Columbia – Housing and Social Development
• Yukon – Housing Corporation
• Northwest Territories – Housing
• Nunavut

Some municipal governments or municipal housing corporations (e.g. Toronto Community Housing, City of Montreal, City of Vancouver, City of Ottawa undertake research. Their research is often related to analysis of housing needs and the development of municipal Housing Statements or evaluation of existing policies and programs.