Port Moody council urges province to recognize housing as a human right

Port Moody is joining a growing chorus of local governments calling on the B.C. government to enshrine housing as a human right in provincial law.

On June 10, city council unanimously endorsed a motion from Couns. Amy Lubik and Diana Dilworth to send a resolution to the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention this fall, asking the province to follow the federal government’s lead and formally recognize housing as a human right in legislation and future housing strategies.

“We are joining a number of municipalities across the province in this advocacy, as well as the Poverty Reduction Coalition,” Lubik said. “We know that housing is more than just four walls and a roof. It’s a place to live in security, peace and dignity, and essential to physical and mental health, community and sustainability.”

The motion argues that while Canada enshrined housing as a right in the National Housing Strategy Act in 2019, B.C. has not yet adopted similar measures. 

Lubik said a human rights-based approach ensures that housing policies prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable, adding that without provincial legislation, “the federal right to housing remains a promise without a pathway.”

“Having an affordable, suitable and safe place to live helps people and their families succeed and thrive,” she said. “Everyone should have access to housing that meets their needs without discrimination or harassment.”

Lubik pointed to Manitoba as an example, stating the province’s move to enshrine housing-first policies added clarity, focused policies, and removed red tape.

Coun. Diana Dilworth said she first heard the phrase ‘housing as a human right’ 10 years ago, while working with non-profit and co-op housing providers.

Now local governments and the federal government are taking progressive steps, and the provincial government needs to “come on board,” she said.

“I want to say this is a long time coming. . . . We’re finally seeing some action,” she said. “That just speaks to a louder collection of voices agreeing that this is the right thing to do.”

Dilworth added that momentum is building among municipalities, and “there’s no doubt in my mind” that a number of municipalities will be submitting similar motions at UBCM. 

Coun. Samantha Agtarap also spoke in favour of the motion, and agreed on the direction governments need to be going.

“I do believe that homelessness can be eliminated through the coordination of all levels of government . . . through aligned policy,” she said.

Coun. Haven Lurbiecki offered strong support for the motion but reminded her colleagues that cities still have considerable power to shape housing outcomes locally. 

“While I appreciate us going and advocating for this, the first thing that pops into my mind is yes, we control so much,” she said. “We can make sure that we only approve housing developments that truly meet our housing needs, and not ones, for example, that have zero affordable housing.”

The UBCM are scheduled to vote on the resolution at its annual convention in September.