Canada addresses housing rights and disability benefit access

Canada's Federal Housing Advocate, Marie-Josée Houle, has called for a human rights-based approach to address the nation's housing crisis and rising homelessness. Speaking at a forum of ministers, Houle emphasized that the upcoming National Housing Strategy must prioritize legal recognition of the right to housing and focus on those facing systemic barriers, including Indigenous Peoples and persons with disabilities.

In a separate initiative, Minister Patty Hajdu announced $9.3 million in funding through the Disability Benefit Navigation (DBN) program. The Call for Proposals aims to assist community organizations in helping people with disabilities access federal and provincial supports, such as the Canada Disability Benefit and the Disability Tax Credit. Organizations have until October 8, 2026, to apply for funding of up to $1 million over two years.