Webinar: The Waterloo Encampment Case Ruling - June 16, 2026

In a landmark ruling in Waterloo, Ontario, a judgment from the Ontario Superior Court has declared that discriminatory treatment of people experiencing homelessness is a violation of equality rights in section 15 of the Charter of Rights & Freedoms and that the rights to life and security of the person in section 7 of the Charter must be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with Canada’s international human rights obligations which have been adopted into domestic law through the National Housing Strategy Act. This precedent-setting ruling establishes that government inaction on homelessness could no longer be legally defensible. This webinar was recorded on June 16, 2026 and covered what Judge Gibson's ruling means for: The recognition of homelessness and the right to adequate housing under Canada's constitution and its significance for government accountability People experiencing homelessness in Waterloo and across Canada Future encampment cases and how advocates, lawyers, and communities can use this decision Panelists included: Jakob, a rights-holder and encampment resident Ashley Shuitema, one of the lawyers from the Waterloo Region Community Legal Services Martha Jackman, the general counsel representing the intervenors from the National Right to Housing Network and Charter Committee on Poverty Issues Jen Danch, Swadron Associates, for Amicus team Moderated by: DJ Larkin, Canadian Drug and Policy Coalition, NRHN Steering Committee