Thank you, Chair.
I won't introduce myself, because I've already been introduced.
I'm accompanied by Mark Young, director of our legal service.
We are here to provide an overview of the proposed national housing strategy act. The Government of Canada has taken significant strides to advance the progressive realization of a right to adequate housing with the launch of the national housing strategy in 2017 that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable. The proposed national housing strategy act would further this advancement by requiring the government to develop, maintain and report on a national housing strategy, and by creating new accountability and participatory mechanisms.
The bill underscores the importance of housing for the dignity and welfare of people living in Canada. Under this bill, a national housing council with diversified representation, including persons who have experienced housing-related needs and who have previously been reduced to homelessness, would be established. The council would make policy and research recommendations to the minister responsible for housing.
The bill also contemplates the creation of a federal housing advocate position the incumbent of which would be appointed by the Governor in Council. The housing advocate would commit, to individuals and households representing vulnerable groups, to respond to systemic housing issues. The advocate would prepare an annual report, including recommendations, on the measures necessary to address those issues. The minister would be required to table the advocate's report and a response to Parliament within a prescribed time frame.
That concludes our presentation, Mr. Chair. It will be our pleasure to answer any questions the committee may have.