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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate

@housinglogement.bsky.social

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We promote the human right to housing & advocate for change on systemic issues. | Posts by the Advocate Marie-Josée Houle signed –MJ | FR: @LogementHousing.bsky.social

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · Jul 28

The OFHA is now on Bluesky! We will be sharing more exclusive content here & on LinkedIn bit.ly/45gfLtw, and you can get our insights directly in your inbox via our newsletter. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! bit.ly/4m7dHuj

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 11h

Your voice matters, and we’re committed to amplifying it. Stay informed and engaged with us on Bluesky and LinkedIn, where your perspective is valued and heard. Subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive updates and join the conversation! bit.ly/4l0LPaA

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 5d

In the coming weeks, I will be publishing a report documenting what I heard during this trip and providing additional guidance on what governments should be doing to fulfill their human rights obligations.

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 5d

I continue to urge all levels of government to ensure their responses to encampments are grounded in a human rights-based approach in alignment with my recommendations and publications and as required under the National Housing Strategy Act.

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 5d

I also heard that municipal enforcement and the criminalization of homelessness continue to cause harm and insecurity for people living in encampments.

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 5d

There were some notable exceptions and these examples demonstrated what can be done when all levels of government come together to support community-based action and mutual aid.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 5d

I heard that the housing options available are inadequate and that municipalities who are on the frontlines need more support from higher levels of government to address the complex housing and healthcare needs in their communities.

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 5d

I met with people living in encampments, service providers, advocates and political leaders.

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 5d

Last week, I visited Cambridge, Kitchener, London, Hamilton and Toronto to hear from people on the ground about the homelessness crisis and learn how governments are responding to encampments since the release of my report and recommendations in February 2024.

Marie-Josée in Kitchener with Mike Morrice.

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

3) Take steps to ensure that encampment residents have access to the necessities of life, including basic services such as clean water, sanitation facilities, electricity and heat.

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

2) Undertake a meaningful process of engagement with encampment residents, community organizations and stakeholders before adopting any decisions that affect them.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

In the meantime, I respectfully call on Barrie City Council to: 1) Reconsider the draft by-law under consideration tonight and replace it with measures that integrate a human rights-based approach to respond to encampments.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

I would welcome an opportunity to engage in further dialogue and explore how my office and the ongoing review can contribute to the City of Barrie implementing a #HumanRights based approach to encampments.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

I also heard that clearances and sweeps force people to take shelter in more remote places making it harder for them to access the services that can help them eventually gain access to permanent and #AdequateHousing.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

In conversations with people experiencing homelessness and service providers, I repeatedly heard that municipal enforcement and the criminalization of homelessness cause harm and greater insecurity for people living in encampments.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

However, these new restrictions on the presence of people experiencing homelessness in public space risks putting some of Barrie’s most marginalized community members at even greater risk. I spent the past week visiting a number of communities in Southern Ontario.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

I understand that the City has declared a State of Emergency following a gruesome act of violence in a homeless encampment.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

The proposed by-law measures would severely restrict the ability of people experiencing homelessness to take shelter from the elements and would further criminalize people who have no choice but trying to survive in public space.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 7d

Today, I wrote to the Mayor and City Councillors in Barrie to express my grave concern about a motion being debated tonight to Update the Use of City Property By-law in response to encampments.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 12d

Very pleased to meet with the #Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union yesterday. Thank you for taking the time to share the experience and concerns of people with lived experience of homelessness. I look forward to staying in touch and working together to protect human rights. –MJH

Marie-Josée Houle meeting with members of the Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 15d

Photo credit: Photos 1 & 2 taken by @reganbrusse.bsky.social – bit.ly/46zZyQa

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 15d

I understand that today's @cambridge.ca council meeting will be debating a motion to study the impact of evictions of encampments during extreme weather events. This is the type of study that will help council make informed decisions to protect people and uphold their fundamental #HumanRights. –MJH

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 15d

Photo credit: Photos 1 & 2 taken by @reganbrusse.bsky.social – bit.ly/46zZyQa

Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 15d

This visit follows my letters to the mayor and Cambridge city council and to the Region of #Waterloo, encouraging them to adopt human rights-based approaches to encampments.

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 15d

Yesterday, I visited #Cambridge and #Kitchener, Ontario. I heard about the challenges experienced by people living in #encampments and organizations that support them.

The Federal Housing Advocate meeting with advocates, service providers, and encampment residents

A community whiteboard with a drawing that says "Housing is a human right!"

Photo of the 100 Victoria Street encampment in Kitchener

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Office of the Federal Housing Advocate @housinglogement.bsky.social · 21d

➡️ Read the Advocate’s advice to Minister Robertson: www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/resources/pu...

➡️ Read the report by Dr. Carolyn Whitzman on human rights-based housing targets and mechanisms for Canada: homelesshub.ca/resource/hum...

➡️ Link to the announcement: www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news...

Advice to the Minister: How a human rights-based approach can help solve the housing crisis | Canadian Human Rights Commission

The Canadian Human Rights Commission is Canadas national human rights institution. The Commission helps ensure that everyone in Canada is treated fairly, no matter who they are.

www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca

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