Summary#
Bill C-207 adds a new right to the Canadian Bill of Rights: the right to proper housing at a reasonable cost and free of unreasonable barriers (Bill, Section 1). It takes effect one year after it becomes law (Bill, Coming into Force). The Canadian Bill of Rights guides how federal laws and decisions are read and applied (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
- Adds a housing right to the list of protected rights under federal law (Bill, Section 1).
- Does not define “proper,” “reasonable cost,” or “unreasonable barriers” (Bill, Section 1).
- Applies to federal laws, policies, and programs; it does not change provincial or municipal laws (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
- Creates a legal basis to contest federal actions that create unreasonable barriers to housing (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
- No direct funding or new programs are created by the bill text (Bill, Section 1).
What it means for you#
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Households
- When dealing with federal housing programs or decisions, you could point to this right if you face unreasonable barriers or costs (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
- Courts may use this right to read federal laws in a way that avoids unreasonable barriers to housing (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2). What counts as “unreasonable” is not defined in the bill.
- Changes would start one year after Royal Assent (Bill, Coming into Force).
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Workers
- Federal public servants who design or run housing-related programs may need to review rules and practices to avoid unreasonable barriers (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2). The bill does not set specific standards.
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Businesses
- Firms that interact with federal housing programs (e.g., those seeking federal financing or guarantees) may see updated program rules to reflect the new right (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2). Timing and details are not set in the bill.
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Local governments
- No direct duties are imposed. The Canadian Bill of Rights applies to federal laws and decisions, not provincial or municipal ones (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
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Service users
- People using federal housing benefits or services could reference this right in complaints or legal challenges if they face barriers (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2). Outcomes would depend on how courts interpret the new terms.
Expenses#
Estimated net cost: Data unavailable; the bill includes no direct spending or revenue changes.
- The bill makes a rights amendment only. It does not appropriate funds or create new programs (Bill, Section 1).
- Potential administrative or legal costs to assess and adjust federal programs: Data unavailable.
- Official fiscal note: Data unavailable.
Proponents' View#
- Recognizes housing as a protected right under federal law, which strengthens the basis to challenge unreasonable barriers in federal programs (Bill, Section 1; Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
- Guides courts to interpret federal laws to avoid violating the housing right, unless Parliament clearly says otherwise (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
- May prompt federal agencies to review fees, eligibility rules, and documentation requirements that could be “unreasonable barriers” (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
- Takes effect one year after Royal Assent, giving time for departments to adjust policies (Bill, Coming into Force).
Opponents' View#
- Key terms are undefined (“proper,” “reasonable cost,” “unreasonable barriers”), which could lead to inconsistent rulings and more litigation (Bill, Section 1).
- Limited reach: the Canadian Bill of Rights applies to federal laws and decisions, so most housing rules set by provinces and municipalities would be unchanged (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
- Parliament can still pass laws that override this right if it uses clear, express language, which may weaken the right’s impact (Canadian Bill of Rights, s.2).
- Implementation costs for policy reviews and court challenges are possible, but there is no fiscal analysis to estimate them (Data unavailable).