An Opportunity for a National Housing Strategy

Bill C – 304 will receive third reading in the House of Commons tonight.

The Bill championed by Vancouver East New Democrat Libby Davies intends to create a national housing strategy in consultation with all levels of government, aboriginal communities, non-profit and private sector housing providers and others.

Our country is unique among developed nations in not having a strategy. The Bill includes:

*a strong commitment to the right to adequate housing as guaranteed under international human rights law.
*targets and timelines for the elimination of homelessness.
*a process for independent review and a way to address and report complaints about possible violations of the right to adequate housing
*a key role for civil society organizations in designing the delivery, monitoring and evaluation of programs required to implement the right to adequate housing

Status of Bill 304

This is a private members bill and such bills seldom succeed. There has, however, been a fair amount of support through the long process of first and second reading and across the country. Liberals and New Democrats support it. I understand the Bloc Quebecois support it in principle but are troubled by an amendment they would not allow the province of Quebec some flexibility if the legislation is successful.

Significant support from Bloc members would be needed for Ms. Davies' bill to pass.

Advocates recommend contacting Gilles Duceppe (DucepG@parl.gc.ca) leader of the Bloc Quebecois to ask for his support.

Let’s face it the country really needs a national strategy on housing and homelessness.