Canada is facing a housing crisis that is growing worse by the day. It has reached such a tipping point that housing affordability, evictions, and housing inequality dominated the national conversation last year.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission applauds the thorough and comprehensive investigation conducted by the Honourable Louise Arbour in her Report of the Independent External Comprehensive Review of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. The Commission wholeheartedly supports her findings and recommendations.

This week, as we celebrate National AccessAbility Week, it is a chance to reaffirm our commitment to inclusion and equality for all. It is also a time to celebrate the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities and recognize the people, organizations and communities removing barriers.

Today, the Office of the Federal Housing Advocate opened an online submission process for people to share their experiences with systemic housing and homelessness issues in Canada.

Medical Assistance in Dying is intended to allow people the ability to die with dignity when science and medicine can offer no better alternative to alleviate unbearable suffering. Leaving people to make this choice because the state is failing to fulfill their fundamental human rights is unacceptable.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission is pleased to welcome Michael Gottheil, by Order in Council, as Canada’s first Accessibility Commissioner.

Today, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) announce that they have reached an agreement to settle a complaint before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal about the accommodation of persons with disabilities. The settlement reflects the parties' mutual interest in ensuring that there are robust measures in place for accommodation of ESDC employees.

The Canadian Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned by numerous reports of sexual coercion and violence in federal prisons. People continue to be victims of sexual assault while under the care and custody of the state, and the Correctional Service of Canada and correctional staff are not doing enough to address the issue.

Throughout 2021, the pandemic continued to influence almost every aspect of our daily lives. This health crisis, economic crisis and human rights crisis has touched everyone — it is affecting all of us in some way.