An Amnesty International report released on April 29, 2026, warns of a deepening housing crisis for Indigenous peoples in Canada. The report highlights severe overcrowding, lack of running water, and inadequate sanitation in many First Nations communities, particularly in Quebec and Labrador. Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador Chief Francis Verreault-Paul stated that the situation is a human rights crisis that requires immediate federal action. The report calls for increased funding and collaboration with Indigenous leaders to address the long-standing issue.
Key Findings of the Report
The Amnesty International report documents dire living conditions in several Indigenous communities. In some areas, families of up to 12 people live in single-room homes. Many homes lack basic amenities such as indoor plumbing and electricity. The report also notes that the housing shortage has contributed to health problems, including respiratory illnesses and mental health issues. Chief Verreault-Paul emphasized that the crisis is not new but has been ignored for decades.
Call for Government Action
The report urges the Canadian government to declare a national emergency and allocate significant resources to build new housing and renovate existing units. It also recommends that Indigenous communities have greater control over housing policies and funding. The federal government has yet to respond formally to the report, but Indigenous leaders are pressing for urgent action.
The housing crisis is part of a broader pattern of systemic inequality faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. Amnesty International has previously documented similar issues in other regions, including the lack of clean water and access to healthcare. The organization calls on Canada to uphold its international human rights obligations.
