Understanding and addressing housing insecurity among Inuit living in Montreal

Description

The housing crisis in the Canadian Arctic is well documented and has significant repercussions for the health and well-being of Inuit living in northern communities. The housing challenges faced by Inuit living in southern Québec are less well understood.

Although the supply of housing is generally more plentiful in southern Quebec than in the North, the requirements for obtaining and retaining accommodation can create specific barriers for the Inuit. Many people who settle in the South experience significant housing insecurity and may be at increased risk of homelessness.

This project aims to support the Inuit community in Montreal by deepening the understanding of housing trajectories and the strategies employed in the search for accommodation. The project is part of the development of housing support programmes designed by and for the Inuit community.

In collaboration with the partner organisation, the team will conduct two to three focus groups on housing-related challenges, as well as 15 to 20 individual interviews exploring participants' housing trajectories.

Objectives:
1. To identify critical moments when people may be at risk of homelessness;
2. To examine the difficulties faced by Inuit when seeking housing;
3. To explore differences in housing experiences across population groups, including young people, young families, women, men and older people.

Requirements and Conditions

- Knowledge of the health determinants of health and inequalities experienced by indigenous people
- Experience of working in the North is a major asset
- Sensitivity to the ethical considerations involved in working with indigenous -people and organisations
- Comfort working in intercultural and multilingual contexts
- Experience in conducting qualitative interviews and literature reviews
- Ability to work in English
- Willingness to relocate to Montreal for at least part of the project

Application Deadline

October 10, 2026