The UN sees housing as a basic human right and over 200,000 Canadians are not receiving it. A 2016 UN report urges Canada to create a national housing program. The issue isn’t a new one. The UN has been calling for housing justice in Canada since May 2006.
The UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights made distinct recommendations in 2006 to the Canadian Federal Government.
The main cause for homelessness in Canada was recognized to be inadequate social assistance. The UN strongly suggested that low-income women and Aboriginals were the most vulnerable. Canada’s response to these claims agreed that Aboriginals are the most at risk as well as those with mental health issues, but they leave women out of the report. They also neglected to mention veterans.
Rabble.ca recognized the UN’s request for more action on homelessness in Canada, but did not report in detail on those affected. The Canadian Press reported on action being taken to help veterans with homelessness, as a study by Employment and Social Development Canada recognized that over 2,000 Canadian solders are homeless and those with PTSD were the most at risk. There is a strong correlation with mental illness and homeless vets. Inadequate social assistance is a large determinant for their homelessness.
Veterans as a homeless demographic is largely being overlooked north of the US border. Who. What. Why. reports on veteran neglect in the United States, where an estimated 50,000 vets live on the streets.
Sources:
Alyse Kotyk, “Canada urgently needs national housing program, say advocates. Rabble.ca., January 18, 2016,
http://rabble.ca/news/2016/01/canada-urgently-needs-national-housing-program-say-advocates
Klaus Marre, “Stop Patronizing Vets and Start Helping Them.” Who.What.Why., November 11, 2015, http://whowhatwhy.org/2015/11/11/stop-patronizing-vets-and-start-helping-them/
The Canadian Press, “Veteran homelessness a top priority for Liberals, says veterans minister.” CTV News., February 18, 2016,
Student Researcher: Tennessa Wild (University of Regina)
Faculty Evaluator: Patricia Elliott (University of Regina)
