In the midst of a call from Mayor Valérie Plante for urgent action on homelessness in Montreal, Quebec Social Services Minister Lionel Carmant criticized the city for delays in addressing the issue. Carmant expressed disappointment that essential resources like shelters and transitional housing were not prioritized in the recent announcement by Plante.
Plante had urged Premier François Legault to appoint a dedicated minister to oversee the homelessness crisis, emphasizing the need for swift and effective measures to tackle the growing problem across Quebec. Despite Carmant currently being responsible for the homelessness file, Plante clarified that her request was not meant as a slight to the minister.
Carmant highlighted Quebec’s investment in a modular housing program but pointed out that Montreal’s progress in implementing these units has been sluggish. Stressing the importance of collaboration, Carmant emphasized the necessity of continued joint efforts to address homelessness comprehensively.
A recent report by the Office de consultation publique de Montréal revealed a significant 33% increase in visible homelessness between 2018 and 2022, underscoring the pressing nature of the issue that requires immediate attention and coordinated action.
