When: December 9, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 p.m,
Where: Via Zoom (Registration required)
Canada is facing a significant housing crisis which has contributed to a rapid increase in the number of unhoused Canadians seeking shelter in encampments in public spaces, and using emergency and community-based services. As communities respond to the crisis, Canada’s Federal Housing Advocate continues to urge governments to use a human rights-based approach when managing housing encampments. At the same time, some residents and leaders feel that issues of economic development, protection of public spaces, and perceived safety concerns should take priority, advocating for the removal of encampments and services for the unhoused from public spaces and downtown areas. In many cases these concerns are underscored by a lack of understanding of the evidence-based solutions being proposed to address the complex, nuanced issue of homelessness.
Join us for a panel on Human Rights and the Unhoused, where our expert panelists will bust myths about encampments, causes of homelessness and provide information about best practices in addressing the homelessness crisis. Canada’s Federal Housing Advocate, Marie-Josée Houle will share insights on national research and recommendations and Professor Catherine Leviten-Reid will share her research evidence supporting community-based care and the role of deeply affordable housing and services in the lives of those in greatest need. Erika Shea from New Dawn Enterprises and Christine Porter from the Ally Centre in Sydney will share a Cape Breton success story and how they are facing renewed resistance after the municipal election.
Background
- Urgent calls to action from Canada’s Federal Housing Advocate | Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
- The Federal Housing Advocate’s 2023–2024 Annual Report to the Minister: Putting People First
- CBRM Pallet Shelter Village - New Dawn Enterprises
- Number of people homeless or at risk up substantially in parts of eastern Nova Scotia | CBC News
- 2024 Service-Based Homelessness Count
Register to attend this event online.