Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit

As Canada’s housing crisis deepens, only Prince Edward Island has legislation recognizing housing as a human right. The Canadian Press reached out to all provinces to ask if they agree with the federal housing advocate’s stance that housing is a human right and if they plan to introduce related legislation. Most provinces responded with details about various housing initiatives but did not directly address the human rights question. Quebec’s response was mishandled, while Manitoba and Newfoundland and Labrador acknowledged housing rights in line with federal and international standards but did not commit to specific legislation.

The federal housing advocate, Marie-Josée Houle, emphasized that recognizing housing as a human right involves more than acknowledging it in agreements. It requires a human rights-based approach that includes listening to and meeting the needs of homeless individuals, rather than imposing unsuitable stopgap measures like shelters. This approach also demands adequate provisions such as heat, electricity, and sanitation for those in encampments.

Dale Whitmore from the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights suggests a practical first step for provinces would be to amend tenancy acts to treat eviction as a last resort. He argues that rent regulation and eviction protections are essential as the housing crisis worsens, stressing that provinces must act to both recognize and uphold housing as a fundamental human right.