Whereas recognizing housing as a human right fundamentally shifts government motivations by adding critical urgency and responsibility to enhance access to affordable housing meaning housing costs are aligned with income through policies that prevent and respond to homelessness, address the escalating housing and homelessness crisis, prevent against discrimination, and prioritize the needs of vulnerable and equity deserving populations; And whereas the Government of Canada affirmed the right to housing as a matter of international law and enshrined it domestically through the National Housing Strategy Act 2019, recognizing housing as a human right and establishing mechanisms for accountability and inclusion: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM call for the Province of BC to enshrine housing as a human right in legislation and forthcoming housing and homelessness strategies, ensuring that housing policy in British Columbia is grounded in principles of equity, accessibility, accountability, and the inherent dignity of all people; And be it further resolved that UBCM advocate to the Government of Canada for increased direct investment in housing, and the implementation of supportive policies and regulations that will support and incentivise the delivery of the right supply and type of housing for all Canadians.
