The Federal Housing Advocate is calling on the Government of Canada to take bold action to address the housing crisis by making non-market housing a cornerstone of its strategy, ensuring federal housing policy meets the country's human rights commitments. A new report, commissioned by the Advocate's office and penned by housing policy expert Dr. Carolyn Whitzman, warns that Canada is falling far short of meeting the targets set out in the National Housing Strategy.
Solving the housing crisis requires more than accelerating supply — it demands the right kind of housing, guided by clear definitions, measurable targets, and a strong commitment to human rights.
Accessible housing is about all of us. Over 8 million Canadians live with a disability and that number will only grow as our population ages. Accessible housing is a moral and pragmatic imperative. This national building plan can do both: meet the urgency of this moment and fulfill Canada’s human rights obligations.
Opening remarks to the CRPD committee on the occasion of Canada's combined 2nd and 3rd Periodic Reviews by Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, Interim Chief Commissioner Canadian Human Rights Commission
Letter of concern from the Federal Housing Advocate on the topic of encampments.
New data shows that people with disabilities face financial hardship, unsafe housing, and a lack of supports and services at far higher rates than people without disabilities.
Today, we mark International Human Rights Day and the anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 1 of the Declaration proclaims that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Yet for many, this promise remains unfulfilled. To truly live up to those words, Canada must do a better job of ensuring that everyone across the country can live with dignity.
Over the course of 2022–2023, the Federal Housing Advocate made it a priority to meet with people who are directly affected by inadequate housing and homelessness.
On National Housing Day, Marie-Josée Houle, Federal Housing Advocate, issues the following statement. A version of this story was published in Le Devoir (French only) on November 22, 2024.
The groups, including Federal Housing Advocate Marie-Josée Houle, President of Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Glen McCallum, and Loretta King, Metis-Nation – Saskatchewan’s Infrastructure and Housing Minister, will also meet with federal ministers and senators in Ottawa that day to discuss the recommendations and advocate for solutions.