Bill C-400 sets out roadmap to end homelessness.
from Dignity for All
Bill C-400 is a private member’s bill currently before Parliament that addresses the crisis of homelessness and inadequate housing in Canada. It calls for leadership on the development of a national housing strategy using a human rights framework. The Bill is currently at second reading in the House of Commons and will be referred to Committee — the crucial next step in the legislative process — if a majority vote is received. The vote is currently scheduled for February 13, 2013.
The Act commits to developing:
- goals and timelines for eliminating homelessness;
- an independent complaints procedure for violations of the right to adequate housing;
- guarantees of effective participation by Aboriginal communities, equality-seeking groups and other stakeholders including women leaving violent households and persons with disabilities;
- a process for review and follow-up on any concerns or recommendations from United Nations human rights bodies with respect to the right to adequate housing;
- a key role for civil society organizations, including those representing groups in need of housing, and Aboriginal communities in designing the delivery, monitoring and evaluation of programs required to implement the right to adequate housing; and
- provision of financial assistance to those who cannot otherwise afford housing.
Bill 400 reprises Bill C-304, recommendations from a Human Resources Standing Committee report that passed two readings in the House but died when the government prorogued in March 2011.
Dignity for All is working with organizations across the country — including housing, anti-poverty, and faith groups — to support the passage of Bill C-400. Inadequate housing and homelessness in Canada constitute a growing problem and one that the United Nations identified as an urgent human rights crisis.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing has noted that “Canada is one of the few countries in the world without a national housing strategy.”
Get involved! Join thoursands of people across the country in calling for a national housing strategy. Activities to promote this Bill and provide education on housing as a human right are taking place from coast to coast. Here's what you can do:
- Write your MP and ask them to support C-400.
- You can use this letter as a guide (also available in French).
- For further assistance, you can refer to our C-400 backgrounder (also in French).
- Meet with or call your MP.
- See our suggested talking points and key messaging.
- Participate in the postcard campaign being organized by the Right to Housing Coalition Ontario.
- Write an op-ed or letter for your local newspaper to raise awareness about Bill C-400 and call for a national housing strategy.
Resources:
- Inform yourself with our Bill C-400 backgrounder.
- Check out this infographic on affordable housing from Dignity for All campaign partner Citizens for Public Justice
- Read the UN Special Rapporteur's 2009 report on housing in Canada.
- Catch up on the latest research and reports on housing in Canada from leading organizations such as:
- Visit the Homeless Hub for a wealth of information and research on homelessness in Canada, including the Canadian Homelessness Research Network’s latest report, The Real Cost of Homelessness.
Bill C-400 History
Formerly known as Bill C-304, Bill C-400 was re-introduced into the House of Commons in February 2012 by NDP MP Marie-Claude Morin.
In its previous state, the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development presented its final Committee Report on Bill C-304 to the House of Commons on March 21, 2011, but Parliament was dissolved before the Bill reached a third reading vote.
Committee Report – March 21, 2011 with regard to clause 3.1 (Quebec’s adherence to the ICESCR)
Committee Report – March 24, 2010
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