News & Stories

Addressing Canada’s Housing Crisis: How You Can Help Through Federal Advocacy

October 28, 2024

At the DI, we witness the housing crisis in Calgary every day. The impact of housing instability is immediate, severe, and widespread. Unfortunately, this crisis is not isolated to Calgary; it stretches across Canada, affecting communities big and small. We need to urgently address the systemic issues driving this crisis, and we need our federal government to lead the way in creating lasting solutions.

The Scope of the Crisis 
To fulfill Canada’s commitment to the Right to Housing, our country must build 5.8 million sustainable homes by 2030. This goal includes the construction of 2 million rentals and 655,000 subsidized units to ensure everyone has a place to live. The scale of the housing challenge is immense, and while no single entity can solve it alone, the federal government has the tools to make a significant impact by enacting supportive policies and legislation.
As members of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH), we have joined forces with advocates across Canada to push for policy changes that address the roots of homelessness. By working together, we amplify our voices and make a greater impact. In recent years, CAEH has successfully advocated for policy wins like increased funding for encampment response and removing GST on purpose-built rental housing, including non-market housing. But we need to go further.

The Role of Advocacy During Election Time 
With a federal election likely on the horizon, housing and homelessness must be top priorities for all MPs. They need to understand that Canadians are demanding action. By rallying together and speaking up, we can influence the policies and platforms that emerge during this election season.
Our membership with CAEH gives us a platform to advocate for initiatives like the National Housing Accord, a comprehensive approach to housing policy that could create more affordable housing across the nation. With sustained advocacy efforts, we can help ensure that Canada has the tools, funding, and legislative support needed to address the housing crisis head-on.

How You Can Help 
Our combined efforts will have the greatest impact. Here are three simple actions you can take to support this cause:
1. Send a Letter to Your MP: Let your MP know that you support the National Housing Accord, a critical step toward addressing the housing crisis. Email Your MP Here
2. Sign the Petition: Show your support for the right to a safe, secure, and affordable home for everyone in Canada. Sign the Petition Here
3. Stay up to date: Stay on top of opportunities to make your voice heard. Subscribe to the CAEH’s general newsletter, or other allied organizations’ lists.

Why Your Voice Matters 
Advocacy isn’t limited to decision-makers and influencers. Every voice counts. By participating in these actions, you help demonstrate widespread public support for policies that could end homelessness. When we work together, we show our federal leaders that we care about creating lasting solutions for housing and homelessness across Canada.
Let’s make our voices heard and stand up for the change we want to see. By taking a few moments to participate, you’re helping us build a future where everyone has a place to call home.