Lesson 4: Housing Rights and Environmental Impacts in Saskatchewan

National Housing Strategy Act

The 2019 National Housing Strategy Act is a cornerstone of Canada’s commitment to ensuring every citizen has access to a safe, affordable, and secure place to call home. The following sections will provide more detailed information about the Act’s intentions, commitments, and impacts:

Housing as a Human Right:

For the first time in Canadian history, the 2019 National Housing Strategy Act legally recognized housing as a fundamental human right, aligning with the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By enshrining this in law, the Act acknowledged the essential role of housing in human dignity and wellbeing and set the stage for policy and actions designed to meet this basic need for all Canadians.

Access to Suitable, Adequate, and Affordable Housing:

The Act committed to ensuring all Canadians have access to housing that is suitable, adequate, and affordable. “Suitable” means housing is of an appropriate size for the household, “adequate” housing is in good repair, and “affordable” housing costs less than 30% of a household’s before-tax income. This three-pronged approach aimed to address the many dimensions of housing challenges faced by Canadians.

Focus on Vulnerable Groups:

The Act prioritized the housing needs of the most vulnerable populations, including Indigenous peoples, seniors, newcomers, low-income households, persons with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addiction issues, and victims of family violence. The Act committed to reducing chronic homelessness by at least 50% and addressing significant housing needs affecting vulnerable populations.

Maintenance of a National Housing Strategy:

The Act required the federal government to maintain a National Housing Strategy (NHS) to support its vision of housing rights. The NHS was expected to align with the principles of accountability, participation, non-discrimination, and inclusion. It also set ambitious targets and policy measures to support affordable housing, including the creation of new housing units, repairs to existing ones, and protections for those in housing need.

Accountability and Public Participation:

The Act established mechanisms for maintaining government accountability and encouraging public participation. This includes the creation of a Federal Housing Advocate, who is tasked with monitoring the implementation of the right to housing and making recommendations to address systemic housing issues. It also includes a National Housing Council with diverse members who provide advice to the Minister responsible for housing.

In conclusion, the 2019 National Housing Strategy Act has had profound implications for how housing issues are addressed in Canada. By recognizing housing as a fundamental human right, it has created a platform for significant, sustained action to address housing issues, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.

Overcrowded Housing on First Nations Communities in Saskatchewan

Building on the foundation laid by the 2019 National Housing Strategy Act, it’s crucial to examine its impact at a more granular level, especially in regions grappling with significant housing challenges. One such region is Saskatchewan, where overcrowded housing has emerged as a significant issue that’s notably impacting First Nations communities.

In Saskatchewan, the situation often compounds the challenges articulated by the National Housing Strategy Act. Despite the Act’s aim to ensure suitable, adequate, and affordable housing for all Canadians, many First Nations communities continue to face a housing crisis. Overcrowding has become a common phenomenon, with several families or generations frequently sharing a single dwelling.

Overcrowded housing conditions have multiple impacts. They can lead to accelerated wear and tear on homes, contributing to a lack of adequate housing. Furthermore, these conditions can impact residents’ mental and physical health, as crowded environments may increase stress levels, limit privacy, and facilitate the spread of illnesses. The challenge of overcrowded housing also intersects with issues of affordability, as the high demand for housing within these communities can drive up costs.

The situation underscores the need for specific, targeted measures to address housing issues in Saskatchewan’s First Nations communities. The principles and objectives of the 2019 National Housing Strategy Act represent a critical framework for these efforts, but the unique challenges faced by First Nations communities demand strategies that consider their distinct circumstances and needs.

Given this context, it’s essential to interpret the crowded housing issues in Saskatchewan, understand their root causes, and assess their impacts on First Nations communities. Such an analysis will provide the insights needed to develop and implement solutions that ensure the right to suitable, adequate, and affordable housing is a reality for all residents of Saskatchewan, including First Nations communities.

Why is there overcrowding?

Overcrowding in housing is a significant issue in many First Nations communities, both in Saskatchewan and across Canada. This problem arises when more people live in a home than the dwelling can adequately accommodate, leading to shared bedrooms and limited privacy.

In Saskatchewan specifically, a high percentage of First Nations people live in overcrowded conditions. These communities are often remote, which exacerbates the issue as there are logistical challenges in providing new housing. The rate of overcrowding is significantly higher in First Nations communities compared to the rest of the population.

Across Canada, this issue is quite prevalent in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. A 2016 report by Statistics Canada showed that 18.3% of the Indigenous population lived in a dwelling that was considered crowded, compared to just 8.5% of the non-Indigenous population. These rates were even higher among the Inuit population, where 31.5% lived in crowded homes.

There are several implications associated with overcrowded housing. It often leads to increased physical health problems due to the spread of infectious diseases. Mental health issues can also arise due to the stress of living in close quarters without privacy. Overcrowding can also contribute to faster deterioration of housing conditions.

Solving overcrowded housing in Indigenous communities is a complex issue requiring a multi-faceted approach. Measures should include increasing the supply of quality housing, improving the affordability of homes, and strengthening Indigenous governance over housing provisions. Addressing overcrowding is an essential part of ensuring that the rights affirmed in the National Housing Strategy Act are fully realized for all Canadians.

Role of the Saskatchewan Protected and Conserved Areas Network (PCAN)

The Saskatchewan Protected and Conserved Areas Network (PCAN) represents a dedicated effort to preserve the ecologically significant land and water areas across the province. Established in 1997, the network’s inception aim was to embody and safeguard unique instances of Saskatchewan’s rich, diverse landscapes spanning 11 distinct ecoregions.

As of 2023, PCAN has managed to conserve an impressive expanse of over 6.4 million hectares (equivalent to 16 million acres), constituting approximately 9.8% of Saskatchewan’s total landscape. This vast network includes not just Crown land but also private lands conserved through various measures such as conservation easements and stewardship agreements.

Managed by the Ministry of Environment, PCAN holds a multi-pronged objective portfolio. These objectives include the preservation of ecological resources, protection of at-risk species, and provision of recreational and educational opportunities. Additionally, the network serves crucial functions related to climate regulation, flood management, water purification, soil health improvement, and carbon sequestration.

With 330 protected areas under its ambit—including parks, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas, and wilderness areas—PCAN plays a pivotal role in conserving Saskatchewan’s natural heritage. This network, representing all of Saskatchewan’s 11 ecoregions, shelters a broad range of ecosystems and species, including a diverse mix of mammals, birds, fish, and plants.

Beyond its ecological role, PCAN is a hub for recreational activities and educational opportunities, contributing positively to the local community’s quality of life. In terms of environmental services, it plays a significant role in regulating local climate, mitigating flood impacts, purifying water, enhancing soil health, and sequestering carbon.

Overall, PCAN stands as an invaluable resource for Saskatchewan, effectively safeguarding the province’s natural heritage while delivering key benefits for people and the environment.

Environmental Conservation and Housing Development in Saskatchewan’s First Nations Communities

Connecting the Saskatchewan Protected and Conserved Areas Network (PCAN) to housing issues in Saskatchewan, particularly in First Nations communities, provides an insight into the intersectionality of environmental conservation and community development.

Firstly, the preservation of ecologically significant lands through PCAN may limit the availability of land for housing development. This is particularly relevant in Saskatchewan where many First Nations communities are located in or near these protected areas. Balancing conservation efforts with housing needs requires careful planning to ensure that development respects and maintains ecological integrity.

Secondly, PCAN can indirectly influence housing in First Nations communities through its role in climate regulation and flood management. Many indigenous communities in Saskatchewan are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including increased flood risks. By helping to regulate the local climate and manage floods, PCAN plays a role in protecting these communities from environmental hazards that can damage homes and infrastructure.

Moreover, the benefits of PCAN extend beyond strict environmental conservation. The network’s focus on providing opportunities for recreation, education, and cultural preservation aligns with the broader goals of improving quality of life in First Nations communities. These efforts can contribute to making these communities more appealing places to live, helping to address issues of overcrowded housing by encouraging balanced population distribution throughout the province.

Finally, it’s important to note that any land development—including housing—within or near protected and conserved areas should respect Indigenous rights, traditions, and aspirations for self-determination, which aligns with the overarching principles of the Indigenous Community Development National Strategy. Collaborative planning processes that involve Indigenous communities in decision-making can ensure housing development is sensitive to environmental and cultural considerations.