Responses to Homelessness - A Mini-Series About the Evolution of Alberta’s Response
This article marks the beginning of The NEWS’ first ever mini-series. This mini-series will provide a brief history of Canada’s and, more specifically, Alberta’s response to homelessness, an overview of the Housing First philosophy, and the subsequent shift in housing policy that has occurred in response to the provincial and federal adoption of said philosophy. Of note, should a reader happen to miss one, while each article will be connected, they are meant to also work as standalones.
Housing Policy in Historical Perspective
First, a bit of context. From confederation in 1867 up to around 1938, housing was considered a by-product of the Protestant work ethic. For example, only those who worked the hardest to obtain a house (through purchase or build) were deserving. This all began to shift by 1938 when housing was identified as a key element of the public health movement. In response, the National Housing Act was established to promote new housing construction, repairs, and modernization of existing housing stock.
By 1949, a national social housing policy was established, delivering 46,000 housing units to meet post-war era growth demands. Throughout the following 44 years, social housing policy weathered funding cuts and program alterations to maintain unit construction projections and maintenance. However, in 1994, active federal funding ended and seemingly reverted back to what is now being described as the neo-liberal approach to housing. That is, individuals are responsible to secure their own housing.
This general timeline captures the main events yet there remains a significant problem - “discussions of housing policy routinely lack historical depth. The consequences can be unfortunate. When old debates resurface they seem new, and so old mistakes are made all over again” (Harris, 1999, p. 1169). This is exacerbated by the fact that approximately “half of social housing in Canada is delivered and owned by small, non-profit, community-based groups, municipal non-profit associations and housing cooperatives” (Wexler, 1996, p. 1915).
Delineation of Provincial and Federal Government Roles
The responsibility for social housing has historically been considered a federal responsibility, consistent with many countries where the responsibility for solving social problems is seen to fall to government, either through regulation or direct spending. It has been speculated that Canada’s “third party – a left-of-centre, labour party – has had a very profound impact on Canada, especially on social legislation” (Wexler, 1996, p. 1911). This impact can especially be seen during times of minority governments, where programs such as universal health care and old-age pensions were adopted. Non-profit housing programs were also adopted by a minority government.
Federal social policy has also been influenced by, or co-opted from, provinces who implemented social programs that were different from what the federal government had been providing. While provincial governments continued to try to avoid federal influence at a local level, some larger municipalities had, and continue to, develop and finance programming to improve local services – in part due to the regionalization of responsibilities. Local communities and non-profits became the alternative to what many considered failed public housing.
Until recently, and with the exception of the 1949-93 period, Canada has not recognized housing as a central component of social policy. It’s argued that the lack of legislated housing programs has left housing initiatives to be implemented by the provinces and municipalities. Compounded by differing political pressures, support for social housing on a federal level has largely been justified to the public as a means of positive impacts on the economy, arguing that social housing is good for business; few agreed to subsidize housing based on need alone. With the creation and adoption of Canada’s first National Housing Strategy, Canadians are beginning to see a shift in this outlook.
Next Time
Much more could be said about the Canadian history of social housing policy, but this provides a high-level overview and a bit of context for the next article. The next article in this series will focus on social housing policy in Alberta, prior to the adoption of the Housing First philosophy. In the meantime, should you have any comments or questions, please share them through email at a.burke@albertacounsel.com
