Organized by the (QHPC), the conference Homelessness, Housing, and the Law will bring together policymakers, researchers, and community actors to explore how legal frameworks can help prevent homelessness in Québec.
As part of the , this cross-sectoral gathering will mark a pivotal step in the ongoing process. It will provide a strategic platform to deepen reflection, share collective learnings, and broaden dialogue among diverse stakeholders.
Academic presentations, international case studies, and participatory workshops will explore the potential, and limitations of the law as a tool for social transformation.
It is a one day program to explore how legal frameworks, fundamental rights, and legislative mechanisms can be mobilized to prevent homelessness.
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| 8:00ÌýAM – 8:30 AM ETÌýWelcome and Breakfast |
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8:30 AM – 9:00ÌýAM ETÌýSpiritual Opening of the Day By Kanahsohon Kevin Deer, Faithkeeper at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse Opening Remarks and Welcome Address By James Hughes, President and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission and Co-Chair of the QHPC, and Pearl Eliadis, Lawyer, Associate Professor at 91ºÚÁÏÍø. Introduction to the conference goals and the context of the Legal Framework Project. |
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9:00ÌýAM – 9:45 AM ET A reflection on the role of fundamental rights in preventing homelessness. |
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10:05 AM - 11:45 AM ETÌýInternational Panel with Peter Mackie (Professor, Cardiff University, Wales)Ìý Juha Kahila (Head of International Affairs, Y-Foundation, Finland)Ìý Josépha Dirringer (Senior Lecturer in Private Law and Criminal Sciences, Co-director of the Master's degree in Labor and Social Protection Law, Rennes University, France) Overview of legislative frameworks implemented in various countries, their impact on homelessness prevention, and the challenges encountered. Presentations followed by a public Q&A.Ìý |
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11:45 AM - 13:15 ETÌýNetworking Lunch 12:30 – Special Address By Marie-Josée Houle, Federal Housing Advocate Progress and challenges in recognizing and implementing the right to housing in Canada: an institutional perspective on levers, limitations, and paths for action at the national level. |
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13:15 – 14:00 ET ÌýPanel – Law as a Tool for Social Change? With Art Campbell (Director, QHPC), François Saillant (Activist, Ligue des droits et libertés), Joannie Veilleux (Community Organizer, RAPSIM), Isabel Gervais (Principal Advisor on Social Inclusion Prevention, YMCA of Québec), and Pearl Eliadis (Lawyer and Associate Professor, Max Bell School of Public Policy, 91ºÚÁÏÍø). This panel will highlight the work of the legal framework project. The leaders of the subcommittees will share their reflections on how the law can serve as a lever for social transformation. |
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14:30 – 16:00 ETÌýParticipatory Workshops – Collective Mobilization Four concurrent sessions – registration required. These workshops aim to actively engage participants in co-constructing an ambitious advocacy strategy for the Legal Framework Project, to strengthen its impact and reach with decision-makers and foster strong collective commitment.Ìý
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16:20 – 17:00 ET With Art Campbell (QHPC) and Pearl Eliadis (91ºÚÁÏÍø) Interactive report-back session from the workshops, designed to extend the collective momentum and support continued engagement around the Legal Framework Project. |
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17:00 – 18:30 Networking CocktailÌý |
Speakers
Coming from academic, community, and institutional backgrounds, the speakers invited to this conference bring complementary expertise on issues related to law, housing, and homelessness.
Art CampbellÌý| Director of Quebec Homelessness Prevention Collaborative (QHPC) focusing on the Legal Framework project. Previously led Reintegration Social Inclusion Service at YMCAs of Quebec for 12 years. Developed programs for individuals in conflict with the law and those experiencing homelessness.
Deer Ka nahsohon KevinÌý| Faithkeeper at Mohawk Trail Longhouse, Kahnawa ke, dedicated to Mohawk language and cultural preservation for over 30 years. Shares Haudenosaunee worldviews, history, and philosophy. Served on Kahnawa ke Police Commission from 2005 to 2015.
Josepha DirringerÌý| Professor of Private Law and Co-Director of Master’s Program in Labor Law and Social Protection at the University of Rennes, France. Focuses on social rights, the right to housing, and social-state reform. Examines the intersection of legal tools and social inclusion strategies within public policy.
Pearl EliadisÌý| Lawyer and Associate Professor at 91ºÚÁÏÍø, specializing in human rights law and public policy. Co-founder of the Legal Framework Project and member of QHPC's steering committee. Co-leads the gender and intimate-partner violence working group.
