In 2007, Canada signed on to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. If you have a disability, or know someone who does, you probably also know that implementing the Convention in Canada has been slow. Since 2007, the Canadian Human Rights Commission has been pointing out that dragging our heels exposes Canada to humiliation on the international stage.
Housing is a particular sore point. Provincial governments have the lead on housing matters. But provincial human rights legislation is largely silent when it comes to disability rights and housing. In Nova Scotia, pushed along by a 2021 court decision, independent living for an adult receiving a disability pension finally became a possibility. 1. In other provinces or territories, dream on.
In 2019, Canada signed on to the United Nations’ right to adequate housing. The position of Federal Housing Advocate was created to join the team of rights defenders at the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Together, the Federal Housing Advocate and the Canadian Human Rights Commission are drawing attention to housing rights for people with disabilities. The rights exist in name only as people with disabilities are over-represented in every negative measure of housing that is collected. Read more in this report posted at the Canadian Human Rights Commission: New project confirms people with disabilities are overrepresented in all aspects of inadequate housing and homelessness
As well, the Federal Housing Advocate has communicated concerns about the National Building Code, which does not address the housing needs of people with disabilities. 2. Read more at the Federal Housing Advocate: Open letter – accessible housing and the National Building Code
Despite the lack of legal structure, some very innovative projects have been/are being built. Thea Kurdi, a disability design expert and advocate, shares some examples in a comprehensive presentation she made in 2021, which is posted on YouTube: What is adaptable, visitable and universal housing
These resources are specific to Canada. They may also be of interest in the other 185 countries that have signed on to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Footnotes
- For more on this court story and the court decision, try: Perspectives On Housing Rights In Canada – Experts Weigh In
- The Code bases its design specifications on a six foot male who is right handed. There are individuals in Canada who fit this description, but they are not the majority. Try: Advice From An Expert On Making Housing Accessible For Canadians
