Project Overview

In Canada, children and youth experience eviction from rental housing at higher rates than most other age groups. Eviction is particularly damaging for youth because of its long-term consequences and propensity to entangle youth with other systems. Eviction into homelessness is also a violation of international human rights law. Yet Canadian eviction laws do not reflect human rights obligations or account for the unique experiences and vulnerabilities of youth. Instead, tribunals too often function as “eviction machines". In response, our project builds a youth-centred approach to eviction law and practice. Using human rights-based and youth-centred lenses, we will focus on three aspects of eviction law and practice affecting youth: access to justice, eviction decision-making, and eviction legislation. Research outcomes include practical rights-based materials for lawyers and tribunals, a submission to the Federal Housing Advocate, tools for civil society and lived experience advocacy, and resources to aid law reform initiatives.  This project is undertaken in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR) and the National Right to Housing Network (NRHN).