Quebec slow to reach deal with Ottawa to help fight homelessness
'This is an area where we need to do more, and we need to act faster,' rep for Montreal shelter says
Homeless shelters in Montreal are urging the Quebec government to reach an agreement with the federal government to support people living in encampments across the city. The federal government has offered up to $50 million in funding to help address the homelessness crisis, but the province has yet to accept the offer.
Sam Watts, CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission, emphasized the urgency of resolving the funding delay. "We’re obviously in a hurry. We’re trying to say, 'Come on, let’s make this happen,'" Watts explained in an interview. He highlighted that the federal money was meant to address urgent issues cities face, adding that there is little reason to delay its allocation.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante is expected to comment on the delay later today after touring new housing at Chez Doris, a local women's shelter.
In September, the federal government announced the availability of $250 million for provinces to help provide shelter for those experiencing homelessness or living in encampments. However, the funding comes with conditions: Quebec must provide a matching contribution and submit a plan outlining how the money will be used.
Sofia Ouslis, a spokesperson for Housing Minister Sean Fraser, said the federal government is waiting for Quebec to finalize the agreement. "We look forward to being able to allocate this funding in Quebec communities to help prevent and reduce out-of-shelter homelessness in Quebec," Ouslis said.
Marie Barrette, spokesperson for Quebec Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant, stated that discussions are progressing well and that the province hopes to reach an agreement soon. She noted that Quebec expects its "fair share" and emphasized that the government is already investing significantly in homelessness efforts.
Other provinces, including Ontario and Saskatchewan, have also been slow to accept the federal funding.
Marie-Pier Therrien, communications director at Montreal’s Old Brewery Mission, noted that the funds would help organizations develop new strategies for assisting those in encampments, which have become more common since the pandemic. "This is an area where we need to do more, and we need to act faster," Therrien said. She also expressed concern that as winter approaches, the conditions for people in encampments become increasingly dangerous and risky.
