Robert A. Young Lecture in Political Science

Alison Smith is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Her research focuses on the governance and prevention of homelessness in Canada. Governing the homelessness crisis in Canada Despite decades of efforts, billions of dollars, and multiple plans to “end” homelessness, more people are unhoused in Canada than ever before. Previously thought of as a big city problem, communities in all sizes across Canada are now grappling with crises of a lack of affordable housing and homelessness. This research seeks to understand why a country that is as rich, and as cold, as Canada fails to provide adequate, safe, affordable housing to everyone.