July 23, 2020 – Organizations from across Canada announce Right to Home, a week of virtual film screenings and live panel discussions from coast to coast about what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next, as we reimagine the right to home during and beyond the pandemic.
COVID-19 has exposed the vulnerabilities in Canada’s housing and shelter systems. As we rebuild our urban futures, we cannot risk going back to the way things were— our systems are on the brink of collapse. But they are also on the cusp of transformative change.
Right to Home brings together the voices of those with boots on the ground, championing the right to housing across the country and around the world. From community organizers to institutional advocates, politicians to people with lived experience of homelessness, every event provides a unique entry point to engage with one of the most pressing issues of this time: the need – and the right – of a home.
Right to Home is hosted by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and The Shift in partnership with the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, Architecture & Design Film Festival, BC Non-Profit Housing Association, Big Wheel Community
Foundation & Big Wheel Burger, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation,
Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, Canadian Housing & Renewal Association,
Canadian Human Rights Commission, Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation, City of Victoria, Co-Operative Housing Federation of Canada, Maytree, UDI Victoria.
Taking place from July 27th to 31st, all Right to Home events are virtual and free of charge. Find more information about the events and panelists, as well as registration at: bit.ly/RightToHome
DOCUMENTARIES
Attendees can register to watch the Push and/or Us & Them and will receive virtual access to watch any time throughout the week.
US AND THEM is a powerful documentary composed of striking portraits of four extraordinary homeless individuals as they struggle with addictions. The film is directed by Krista Loughton and Jennifer Abbott. The story follows Loughton’s tenyear journey exploring the worlds of Dawnellda, Stan, Eddie and Karen, who she attempts to help. In the end, it is Loughton herself who is changed. Punctuated with First Nations wisdom, and Dr. Gabor Mate’s insight into the root causes of addiction, ́ the film shows there is no difference between US AND THEM.
Register to receive a streaming link for Us and Them. Watch the trailer.
PUSH is a documentary from award-winning director Fredrik Gertten, investigating why we can’t afford to live in our own cities anymore. Housing is a fundamental human right, a precondition to a safe and healthy life. But in cities all around the world, having a place to live is becoming more and more difficult. Who are the players and what are the factors that make housing one of today’s most pressing world issues?
Register to receive a streaming link for Push. Watch the trailer.
PANELS
Diverse daily panels include human rights lawyers, government leaders, people with lived expertise of homelessness, and community advocates from across Canada and around the world. Attendees can look forward to dynamic discussions and innovative perspectives on housing.
Right to Home speakers include:
- Ana Bãilao (Deputy Mayor of Toronto for the south area of the city and Ward 9 councillor)
- Berry Vrbanovic (Mayor of Kitchener)
- Brennan Rigby (Director of The Shift Aotearoa)
- Eddie Golko (Participant, Us & Them)
- Jeff Morrison (Executive Director, Canadian Housing and Renewal Association)
- Karen Montgrand (Participant, Us & Them)
- Krista Loughton (Filmmaker, Us & Them)
- Leilani Farha (Global Director of The Shift and former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to housing)
- Lisa Helps (Mayor of Victoria)
- Margaret Pfoh (CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association)
- Michel Tremblay (Senior Vice-President, Policy and Innovation, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)
- Paula C. Marques (Councillor, Local Development and Housing, City of Lisbon)
- Rebecca Alty (Mayor of Yellowknife)
- Ruth Goba (Executive Director, Black Legal Action Centre)
- Scott McKeen (Ward 6 City Councillor, Edmonton)
- Shivani Chaudhry (Executive Director, Housing and Land Rights Network)
- Stephanie Allen (AVP, Strategic Business Operations & Performance Hogan’s Alley Society, Federation of Black Canadians)
- Tim Richter (President and CEO, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness)
Join us in reimagining what housing and shelter in Canada could and should look like in a post-pandemic future.
For more information about the events and panelists, as well as registration at: bit.ly/RightToHome
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Haseena Manek at media@maketheshift.org or 647 500 9975.
MEDIA ADVISORY_Right to Home - Hosted by CUI and The Shift
