Unaffordable housing and discrimination stand in the way of BC children’s right to housing
Vancouver, BC: A new report released by First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society (First Call), and funded by the Law Foundation, highlights the difficulties faced by families with children in accessing safe and adequate housing in British Columbia.
A Failure to Protect, The Denial of Children’s Right to Housing in British Columbia reveals that despite commitments to protect children’s right to housing in international, national and provincial treaties, legislation and policies, many families are unable to access adequate housing due to unaffordability, overcrowding, waiting lists and discrimination, among other issues. Shockingly, in the sample of parent survey respondents and listening circle participants, an astounding 37% and 40% respectively, reported being denied rental housing BECAUSE they had children.
“The increased cost of housing in recent years has put an increased burden on families, particularly those in poverty. It has given rogue landlords more of an opportunity to discriminate against families with children, to disregard the existing tenancy laws and violate their human rights,” said Adrienne Montani, Executive Director of First Call.
It also means that there are more and more families on the waiting lists for housing through BC Housing and other subsidized housing operators.
The 2023 child and youth housing in BC report also found that families who may be experiencing discrimination due to their race, ancestry, immigration status, disability, or low-income status, reported that they are more likely to be affected by housing discrimination in the rental market.
To improve access to safe and adequate housing for families with children, the report makes five overarching recommendations: build more affordable rental housing; increase financial support for families to help pay for housing; improve housing services; improve regulation of private landlords; and strengthen protections for families with children under the Human Rights Code. —30—
About First Call
First Call Child and Youth Advocacy Society is a registered charity in British Columbia. We conduct research and analysis on child and youth rights and well-being, offer education and training events, and make policy recommendations to promote, strengthen and defend the rights of children and youth in BC.
For more information, or to arrange interviews please contact:
Judy Rudin, Communications and Development Coordinator at info@firstcallbc.org
Phone: 604-288-8102.