The Issue: Everything is becoming more expensive, including housing. The average cost of purchasing a home has skyrocketed over the past decade, as has the average rent. Exacerbated by other factors, these realities have led to increased housing precarity and homelessness.
While these realities impact all Canadians, they have a disproportionate impact on 2SLGBTQIA+ people, particularly queer and trans youth. Employment discrimination and economic inequality put additional burdens on 2SLGBTQIA+ workers and their families. Further, homophobia and transphobia are powerful contributors to the homelessness crisis, with 20-40% of homeless youth identifying as queer or trans.
Housing is a human right. Access to housing is a basic necessity. We deserve politicians who deliver on the basics, while ensuring those facing unique barriers and challenges are supported to thrive.
Our Calls to Action
- For all candidates and political parties to commit to delivering urgent and tangible solutions to make housing affordable, including investing in supportive and public housing programs.
- For all candidates and political parties to commit to ending homelessness with a strategy that acknowledges the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and includes tailored solutions to address 2SLGBTQIA+ youth homelessness.
- For all candidates and political parties to pledge opposition to the use of the notwithstanding clause to override the charter-protected rights and freedoms of Canadians living in encampments.