The Right to Housing in Canada and the National Housing Strategy Act

The Right to Housing in Canada and the National Housing Strategy Act

On April 8, 2019 the Government of Canada introduced the National Housing Strategy Act in the Budget Implementation Act, 2019. This historic legislation requires governments to “develop and maintain a national housing strategy” and to “further the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing as recognized in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.” Amendments have now been proposed to the National Housing Strategy Act to clarify the commitment to housing as a fundamental human right and to provide important elements of a workable, rights-based accountability framework.

The legislation, with the proposed amendments, will create a vibrant human-rights culture and a space for multi-stakeholder engagement around a shared commitment to reducing and eliminating homelessness and reclaiming housing as a fundamental human right.