Homelessness in Canada: A Struggle for Basic Rights

The homeless are one of the most vulnerable groups in Canadian society. Things that most Canadians take for granted, such as having safe place to sleep, protection from the elements and the ability to easily take care of rudimentary hygiene needs, are day to day struggles for individuals who do not have access to housing. For a nation that prides itself on the protection of human rights, who with the U.N. adopted a historic document in 1948, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees everyone the right to “a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services,” Canada may fall short of the protection it aims to offer one of its most marginalized groups. Stigma from privileged members of the community can create impossible situations for homeless individuals who have no recourse

“Classism is when someone is treated differently—better or worse—because of their class (or perceived class). Classism is similar in many ways to racism, sexism, heterosexism and other forms of oppression. Classism appears individually through attitudes and behaviors, institutionally through policies and practices, and culturally through norms and values.” It is clear in this case, through the account of Officer Wood that Stephan did nothing criminal by sleeping on the park bench. It is also clear through Officer Wood’s account that Stephan had no history of violence. The action of the complainant to organize, petition and seek municipal involvement toward Stephan’s removal, was based purely on her perception of Stephan as a homeless person and her ideas about homelessness and homeless identities. Consequent municipal action to expel not just Stephan but also to deter other homeless people from public parks throughout the city can be seen as textbook institutional classism, which is undoubtedly