Nine B.C. Cities Urge Province to Recognize Housing as a Human Right

Nine municipalities across British Columbia are calling on the provincial government to legislate housing as a human right, pushing for stronger legal protections amid soaring housing costs and rising homelessness.

City councils in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody, Langley, Victoria, Saanich, Nanaimo, and Langford have passed motions urging the province to take action, according to the B.C. Poverty Reduction Coalition.

“We’ve had dozens, if not hundreds, of people writing to their councils to explain how housing insecurity is impacting their lives,” said Sacia Burton, a spokesperson for the coalition.
“From pet-owning tenants to people renovicted from their homes, the message is clear — housing must be protected.”

Federal Recognition, but No Provincial Law

While Canada’s federal government recognized housing as a human right in 2019, B.C. has yet to follow suit with its own legislation.

That federal declaration, part of the National Housing Strategy, affirmed that housing is “essential to the inherent dignity and well-being of the person.”

“We treat access to clean air and water as rights,” said Burton. “It’s time we did the same with shelter.”

A 2023 B.C. Housing report found that more than 11,000 people were experiencing homelessness across 27 B.C. communities — a number advocates say is likely an undercount.

What Legal Recognition Could Do

The coalition argues that enshrining housing as a legal right would create a clear framework for accountability, requiring government action and enforcement — not just rhetoric.

“You can’t end poverty in B.C. without legislating access to housing,” said Rowan Burdge, provincial director of the coalition.
“Adequate and secure housing is a foundation for a just society.”

The call echoes a 2019 provincial report from B.C.’s Ministry of Health, which described housing as both a basic need and a human right — and linked it to physical and mental health, community safety, and overall well-being.

Province Responds Cautiously

In response, Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said he’s open to conversations with the municipalities but stopped short of endorsing new legislation.

“Solving the housing crisis will take all levels of government working together,” he said in a statement.
“I’m confident we can find ways to continue making progress on housing for everyone in B.C.”

The B.C. Poverty Reduction Coalition plans to bring the proposal to the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in September, hoping to rally more local governments behind the cause.

Human Rights Commissioner Weighs In

B.C. Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender also backed the effort, saying provincial legislation would align with international law and is essential to fixing the housing crisis.

“Recognizing the right to housing is both a legal obligation and a moral necessity,” she said.
“It’s the only viable path forward.”