3.2.1 Housing On June 21, 2019 Canada signed into law the National Housing Strategy Act recognizing the legal right to housing. Section 4 of the Act reads: “It is declared to be the housing policy of the Government of Canada to recognize that the right to adequate housing is a fundamental human right affirmed in international law; and to recognize that housing is essential to the inherent dignity and well-being of the person and to building sustainable and inclusive communities.”67 The legislation requires that Canada implement a National Housing Strategy that would take “focus on improving housing outcomes for persons in greatest need.”68 The legislation does not provide a mechanism through which individuals can seek out access to adequate housing. An additional challenge is that the legislation is a federal statute, and thus there is no legal requirement for provincial, territorial, Indigenous, or municipal jurisdictions to comply with it.69 When asked about the challenges in finding housing, Dave revealed that he spent most of his life travelling across North America and never had a home as a result. He slept in bars and motels for one to three weeks at a time before moving on. Similarly, Boris currently resides in a men’s shelter, and Richard is staying with a friend. Statelessness affects one’s ability to secure appropriate and safe shelter in several ways. A stateless person without identity documents cannot fulfil rental application requirements, and a stateless person who does not possess the legal right to work in Canada cannot provide necessary employment references or a credit check for such an application. In this context, immigration status can be seen as a barrier to one’s human right to shelter. “I couldn’t find a flat under my own name because I have to be attached to somebody. I have to ask my friend or cousin. All landlords ask for employment with pay and paper. I don’t have permanent job or paper to give them.” [Razam] “Houses very expensive. Because I have 4 kids no one accept us.” [Noor] 3.2.2 Social Assistance Relying on social assistance is a common experience for many of the participants of this study. Some participants were grateful for the monthly social assistance they received, but also ashamed that they must rely on it while they await employment opportunities. In addition, several participants noted that the assistance they do receive is often not sufficient to cover basic expenses. 67 Section 4 National Housing Strategy Act 68 Section 5(2)c National Housing Strategy Act 69 Canadian Housing and Renewal Association. (5 July 2019). 23