National Housing Day of Action - Why?

Rocky Feroe, ECOHH Board Member, MC'ing the event at the Legislature Grounds

Again this year ECOHH took to the plaza at the Legislature Grounds to call for action on housing in Alberta. Amid the many public protests taking place, from the 18,000 that gathered to support public education and teachers on October 5, to the thousands gathered on November 23 to protest against the government's use of the notwithstanding clause to take away the rights of LGBTQ+ kids, ECOHH's gathering of 30-50 people was a small gesture in comparison, but necessary nonetheless.

Discrimination by Exclusion

While the government has been active stripping constitutional rights from teachers and LGBTQ+ kids, they have been absolutely silent on issues around housing and homelessness. In fact, the 2025 Speech from the Throne, meant to set the agenda for the coming Legislature session, did not mention the words "housing" or "homelessness" once.

Since one of Edmonton's most vulnerable and marginalized populations seems forgotten by the provincial government, the same level of government that has the constitutional and financial responsibility for housing and social services, ECOHH had no choice but to try to raise the profile of the issue once again.

We were joined by Indigenous speakers Janice Ward and Lloyd Cardinal, who reminded us forcefully of the fact that half of the people experiencing housing precarity and homelessness on Edmonton streets are of Indigenous heritage, and that the destructive legacy of colonialism and residential schools is still harming people today.

Janice Ward sharing her courageous story of going from needing help on the street to now helping others as a community support worker.

During her talk, Janice shared an instinct for caring. On the Legislature Plaza a man was arguing with someone on his cell phone loudly enough to disturb the rally. Janice simply asked, "Are you okay?" As ECOHH Board Member Rocky Feroe reiterated afterwards, we should all be checking with others to see if they're okay before judging.

In a post on November 12, we shared the many reasons that the Government of Alberta should not be complacent or self-congratulatory about the state of housing and homelessness in Alberta. From an increase in the number of people waiting for affordable housing, to more amputations on homeless individuals due to frostbite, to a spike in the number of people seeking emergency shelter, the numbers all point to the failure of current government strategies. You can revisit those details and find some suggestions for action here.

In the meantime, until another National Housing Day of Action rolls around in 2026 and the numbers of people suffering from housing precarity and homelessness grows again, we encourage everyone to pay attention and take housing seriously.

ECOHH's vision is to have dignified, accessible, affordable, culturally-appropriate, and safe housing, in healthy communities, across Edmonton and Alberta. Please join us.