Bill C-304, An Act to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians, just passed second reading in the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon and is going to committee for review and possible amendment. This is exciting news – and credit both to MP Libby Davies, who sponsored the legislation, and the many housing advocates who have worked hard over the years to bring this critically important legislation forward. Three of the four political parties in the House of Commons supported the bill: NDP, Bloc and Liberals. Plus a lone Conservative, MP Peter Goldring. Private member’s bills traditionally get a rough ride in Parliament, and MP Davies has introduced various versions of this legislation several times over the past decade. A rising concern across the country about deep and persistent housing insecurity, and the minority Parliament, along with strong support from housing and homelessness groups across the country, has propelled this draft legislation forward. Next step for the bill is the Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) Committee of the Commons, which will consider the draft legislation and possible amendments, before sending it back to the House of Commons for third and final reading. More details on the timeline will be posted as they are available.