This thesis uses critical discourse analysis to examining the language used by nonprofit housing groups, neighbourhood associations, community development corporations, and government employees; when talking about community economic development (CED) and affordable housing in Winnipeg. The analysis is informed by communicative action theory, which acknowledges the social nature of discourse and the power of. The research focuses on the identities that are constructed, how the interviewees position themselves in relation to the neighbourhoods, concepts of CED, and attitudes towards affordable housing. These four areas are influenced by the CED policy framework that has been adopted by the provincial government. From the analysis it becomes clear that there is space for re-shaping the current policies and for re-structuring the current discourse in order to achieve more empowerment for residents and allow for increased knowledge sharing which will result in more successful CED outcomes.