The Federal Housing Advocate has the responsibility to monitor the National Housing Strategy (NHS) to ensure it fulfills Canada’s commitments under the National Housing Strategy Act (NHSA), is compatible with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, protects the rights of disadvantaged groups and furthers the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing in Canada. In doing so, the Advocate is also guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2021).

To prepare for the operationalization of this duty, the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate (OFHA) commissioned research into areas for reform of the NHS. The fact sheets contained in this publication were developed based on research undertaken for the office by the National Right to Housing Network, the Women’s National Housing and Homelessness Network, Bruce Porter and Steve Pomeroy.

The fact sheets summarize the conclusions of this research and provide practical analysis and recommendations for renewing and strengthening the NHS so that it complies with the NHSA. While the issues and recommendations are presented as distinct, they are best understood when considered as parts of a whole.

The report was submitted to the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion in March 2022 for consideration to renew and strengthen the National Housing Strategy as it approaches its 5th anniversary on November 22, 2022.