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Follow us on TwitterEarlier this year, we considered the Ontario Superior Court’s decision on the landmark Charter application regarding housing rights in Tanudjaja et al. v. the Attorney General (Canada) (“Tanudjaja”). The applicants, four individuals in precarious housing situations, requested the Superior Court make a declaration that the federal and provincial governments had violated their rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms: specifically, the right to life, liberty and security (Section 7), and the right to the equal protection and equal benefit from the law (Section 15), by failing to implement a national and provincial housing strategy.
Posts Tagged ‘Affordable housing’
Does the right to housing belong in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms?
May 29th, 2014 by Shelina AliThis week, the Ontario Court of Appeal is hearing an appeal of the 2013 court decision in Tanudjaja et. al. v. Attorney General (Canada) et al. dismissing an application — of four individuals who identified as homeless, together with the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation (the Applicants) — concerning the right to housing. The application in Tanudjaja asked the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to, among other things, make a declaration that the Government of Canada’s and the Government of Ontario’s failure to implement a national and provincial housing strategy violates the federal and provincial government’s obligations under sections 7 and 15(1) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). By seeking this declaration, the application put the issue of whether social and economic rights are embodied in the Charter squarely in front of the court.
Client Profile: Bethune Housing Co-operative Inc.
August 26th, 2013 by Iler Campbell
Bethune Housing Co-operative in Gravenhurst
Bethune Housing Co‑operative Inc. is the only non-profit housing co‑operative in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Bethune’s 31 units are in a low rise building surrounded by trees on the edge of beautiful Muskoka. Incorporated in 1991, Bethune is a modern building with many fully accessible units, helping to fill a need for affordable housing in this part of Ontario.
Working through its Co‑ordinator and now a property management company, Bethune’s board has called on Iler Campbell LLP for advice primarily on member issues since 2000. And despite the miles between Gravenhurst and Toronto, we’ve been just a phone call or email away.
Client Profile: Options for Homes Non-Profit Corporation
July 10th, 2013 by Iler Campbell
Danforth Village Estates, one of Options’ current projects, on Danforth Road just north of Eglinton Avenue East.
Options for Homes Non-Profit Corporation (“Options”) is dedicated to providing quality condominium homes in great communities at the best possible price. Over 3,700 new homes have been built using their innovative model, creating great communities of people living in quality homes that are affordable.
Continue reading “Client Profile: Options for Homes Non-Profit Corporation”
Client Profile: Hesperus Village
June 21st, 2013 by Iler Campbell
Hesperus Village in Vaughan, Ontario is a seniors’ affordable housing residence offering an independent lifestyle and a rich quality of life. Half of the apartments are rent-geared-to-income units. Located adjacent to the Toronto Waldorf School, Hesperus is surrounded by a protected green space on a wooded ravine along the East Don River.
Hesperus residents may choose to enjoy communal meals and many participate in a variety of social, cultural, spiritual, and gardening activities. Hesperus balances the strengths of a strong institutional organization with the nurturing aspects of a caring community. Residents experience the aging process with dignity and grace. Hesperus encourages interaction between the generations, people of diverse cultures, people on various spiritual paths, and those with a variety of interests, skills and talents. Hesperus residents enjoy the security of an on-site medical clinic with three physicians offering both conventional and holistic care. Trained personal support workers are also available as needed.
Hesperus founders were inspired by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) whose spiritual world view – called Anthroposophy – is reflected in the architecture of the residence building, biodynamic gardening, healthy foods, festival celebrations, and the value of communal life.
Iler Campbell LLP is pleased that Hesperus found our firm in 2012, bringing to us a range of questions and issues from how to operate a seniors’ facility in a manner that complies with human rights requirements to government relations questions and commercial real estate transactions. Our relationship, while relatively new, is strengthening as we develop our understanding of Hesperus’ work and the philosophy that underpins it.
Visit Hesperus’ website to learn more and see more photos of its facilities.
