Encampments in Canada
Homeless encampments are one of the most urgent human rights issues in Canada today. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of shelter spaces decreased, indoor services became unsafe, and people lost their livelihoods and their homes. This led to a rise in homeless encampments across the country. While the conditions in encampments and the criminalization of their residents represent serious human rights violations, encampments can also be understood as a means for residents to claim their right to adequate housing, creating homes as best they can.
The Advocate’s Review of Homeless Encampments
The Federal Housing Advocate launched a formal review on homeless encampments in Canada in February 2023.
The Advocate’s review focused on understanding the daily struggles of the people living in homeless encampments and identifying systemic solutions to address the factors that lead to encampments. The review was guided by the principles of a human rights-based approach. The Advocate collected testimony from people living in encampments, and also engaged with civil society organizations that serve them, as well as Indigenous governments and experts in human rights and housing. The Advocate also engaged with duty-bearers from federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal governments.
On October 11, 2023, the Advocate published an Interim Report which summarized the experiences and information she gathered between April and July 2023.
On February 13, 2024, the Advocate’s published her final report which included findings and recommendations directed at the federal Minister responsible for housing, other federal ministers as well as provincial, territorial and municipal governments.
Notably, the final report calls on the Federal Government to lead the development of a human rights-based National Encampments Response Plan by August 31, 2024 in cooperation and consultation with all other governments.
- Upholding Dignity and Human Rights: The Federal Housing Advocate’s Review of Homeless Encampments
Research on Homeless Encampments
To better understand this critical issue, the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate has commissioned a number of research reports from legal experts, university researchers, community organizations, and people with lived expertise of unsheltered homelessness. The research and findings continue to inform the Advocate’s ongoing work on this issue, and her recommendations to governments.
Reports
- Overview of Encampments Across Canada: A Right to Housing Approach
- Encampments and Legal Obligations: Evolving Rights and Relationships
- Living on the Street: Rethinking our Response to Homelessness
Case Studies