The Leader of Coalition Avenir Québec, Christine Fréchette, is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with Montreal’s mayor following the shocking discovery of a one-year-old child at a homeless camp, causing ripples in the ongoing provincial election campaign.
Fréchette has unveiled a series of pledges leading up to her discussion with Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, pledging to establish a $250-million emergency fund to combat homelessness.
Mayor Martinez Ferrada has labeled the presence of the infant in the encampment as a critical moment, vowing to take action if necessary steps are not taken by the province.
The unearthing of the baby on September 11 has spurred Fréchette’s political rivals to critique her administration’s performance and propose solutions to tackle the issue of homelessness.
In response, Liberal Leader Charles Milliard has vowed to allocate an extra $60 million annually towards eradicating homelessness entirely.
Québec solidaire and the Parti Québécois have both declared intentions to appoint a dedicated minister for addressing homelessness if they were to secure victory in the election, with PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon expressing readiness to assume the responsibility himself.
This article by The Canadian Press was originally published on September 18, 2026.
