Media Advisory - Historic Charter challenge charges; Government has legal
obligation to end homelessness

TORONTO, May 26 /CNW/ - Today, Wednesday, May 26, formerly and currently homeless Ontarians will launch a landmark legal challenge against the federal and provincial governments. Joined by housing advocates and their lawyers, the individuals seek a Court declaration that Canada and Ontario have violated their rights under section 7 and section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by creating and maintaining conditions that lead to and sustain homelessness and inadequate housing.

The Applicants' lawyers will argue that both the Charter and international law require that Federal and Provincial governments implement effective housing strategies that will reduce homelessness and sub-standard living conditions.

    
    When:    Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 11:00am

    Where:   Superior Court of Ontario, 361 University Avenue, Toronto

    Who:     Jennifer Tanudjaja, one of the applicants in the challenge, will
             speak to how low-income people are affected by inadequate
             housing and why she is involved.

             Tracy Heffernan, lawyer for the Advocacy Centre for Tenants
             Ontario, will outline the legal challenge and housing crisis
             facing thousands of people in Canada.

             Leilani Farha, Executive Director, CERA - Centre for Equality
             Rights in Accommodation, and expert in international human
             rights will speak to how United Nations rights monitors have
             called on Canada to end homelessness in accordance with
             international human rights obligations.
    

également disponible en francais

For further information: Media contact: Yutaka Dirks, Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, [phone] x.5243 or 1-866-245-4182 x.5243