Why Your Voice Matters: Participating in the National Housing Council’s Review Panel on the Lack of Accessible Housing in Canada
The National Housing Council is an advisory body that promotes participation and inclusion in the development of Canada’s housing policy. They provide advice to Canada’s Minister of Housing and Infrastructure on urgent housing issues, contributing to the National Housing Strategy. A key part of their work is highlighting marginalized voices and that the needs of vulnerable populations remain at the core of the recommendations and policy discussions.
In response to concerns raised by the Federal Housing Advocate, the National Housing Council has mandated a participatory review panel on the lack of accessible housing in Canada under the National Housing Strategy Act. Through oral and written hearings, the panel invites individuals with lived experiences of disability and homelessness to share their perspectives and experiences of barriers in accessing appropriate accessible housing.
This review is significant because it goes beyond consultation. After hearing from participants, the panel members will develop a final report of recommendations for the federal minister to formally review and respond to within 120 days. This process creates an important opportunity for people directly affected by inaccessible housing to help shape future housing policy and advance the right to adequate housing in Canada.
The Review Panel members are guided by several key principles:
- Genuine Involvement
- Relationship-Centered Approach
- Embracing different identities and experiences
- Planning ahead and adjusting as needed
- Human Rights-based foundation
- “Nothing about us, without us”
Accessible Housing Society is honoured to be hosting the Federal Housing Review Panel’s Western Canada oral hearing on June 18th, bringing together individuals from our various programs and related community organizations who have lived experiences of navigating disability and accessing housing. Their stories and perspectives are essential to understanding the realities and challenges people in our community face every day, to help us identify meaningful solutions.
While participation in the oral hearing is now at capacity, there is still time to contribute to the Review Panel’s written hearing portal, which is accepting submissions until June 22nd, 2026.
The online portal is available through this link: National Housing Council – Shaping the future of housing in Canada through inclusion and participation
For alternative formats of the online form or if you have difficulty accessing the online form, please contact: rp-ce@infc.gc.ca
The written portal is an important opportunity for individuals and organizations to ensure their experiences, concerns, and recommendations become part of the evidence considered by the panel. Whether you have experienced inaccessible housing firsthand, supported someone who has, or are a service provider or subject matter expert working in housing, accessibility, healthcare, or human rights, your perspective can help inform recommendations that may influence future federal housing policies.
Accessible housing is a human right. Every story and perspective helps paint a clearer picture of the barriers Canadian’s face and the solutions needed to create a reality where everyone has access to housing that supports dignity, safety, and independence.