Quebec — The Canada-Quebec Agreement on Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments will address the urgent needs of individuals living in such encampments and in situations of unsheltered homelessness by providing a rapid and targeted response.
The funding provided under this agreement is part of the federal government’s $250 million commitment announced in Budget 2024 to address the urgent issues of encampments and unsheltered homelessness across Canada. Through this initiative, Quebec communities will receive nearly $50 million in federal one-time funding over two years. This funding will provide financial support to carry out the activities outlined in the Community Encampment Response Plan (CERP) in the eleven (11) health and social service regions that will receive funding.
As part of its plan S’allier devant l’itinérance – Plan d’action interministériel en itinérance 2021-2026, Québec has allocated $400 million to combat homelessness since 2021. Of this investment, nearly $50 million will be dedicated to funding CERP activities.
This funding will enable communities in Quebec to provide additional shelter spaces to ensure that those in need have a safe and warm place during the winter months. It will also help expand 24/7 services, including warming centers, and enhance support aimed at promoting housing stability and street outreach efforts to address the needs of individuals at imminent risk of unsheltered homelessness or transitioning out of homelessness.
This partnership between the federal and provincial governments represents a significant step forward in helping the most vulnerable in our country find safe and affordable places they can call home.
“Homelessness is a nationwide issue that we are determined to eliminate. Today’s announcement reaffirms our commitment to working collaboratively with all levels of government and community organizations such as Welcome Hall Mission to support those in need. As we approach the coldest months of winter, providing a safe and warm place for those in need will address the fundamental need for housing stability.” – Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and MP for Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Soeurs
Encampments must end, public spaces must remain safe, and we must provide those in need with homes and the supports they need. This agreement will help ensure that using a human-rights based and housing-first approach. Federal funding provided for this agreement is part of a $250-million commitment, outlined in Budget 2024, to address the urgent issue of encampments and unsheltered homelessness across Canada. Under this agreement, London will contribute $6.425 million, while the federal government will provide more than $5 million, over two years.