From what we've heard, many market actors really support human rights. So this is a great opportunity for us to clarify what those rights actually mean.
Adequate housing isn't limited to mere affordability. It must also be safe and accessible to all, and measures must be in place to protect renters from eviction. In addition, dwellings must be clean and provide basic services such as electricity and potable water. Housing must also be culturally appropriate and be in a location where renters have access to employment opportunities and community resources.
The right to housing doesn't mean that the government must provide adequate dwellings for everyone. Instead, the government must use its power and resources to create a housing system that will support the right to housing for all. To do this, it must invest all available resources, relying on statutes and regulations, and take active measures. It must also set goals, such as reducing and eliminating homelessness, and develop policies and programs the effects of which, as well as progress toward achieving those objectives, can be measured. The government must also understand that it is urgently necessary to protect and support the people in greatest need and to eliminate discrimination.
The present system in Canada doesn't meet all these requirements. The housing situation evolved over the past 30 years before devolving into the crisis we have today. While we won't be able to resolve the situation overnight, all orders of government must absolutely pull their weight if we want to see progress. For that to happen, we need a plan.