Federal Government Seeks Provincial Cooperation on Homelessness

On September 18, 2024, Minister Sean Fraser sent a letter to all Canadian provinces and territories, requesting collaboration with the federal government to address homelessness and encampments. The letter proposed additional funding of $250 million, as outlined in Budget 2024, contingent on provinces matching contributions. This funding is part of broader federal efforts, including the Reaching Home program and the National Housing Strategy, aimed at reducing homelessness and building affordable housing.

As of October 2024, Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan have not formally responded to the proposal. Minister Fraser expressed disappointment over the lack of engagement from these provinces, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as colder weather approaches. The federal government plans to work directly with municipalities in these provinces to expedite solutions.

Five cities—Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Regina, and Saskatoon—are identified as initial targets for federal funding due to their readiness to implement cost-matched responses. The federal government will continue to approach other communities capable of quickly addressing encampments.

Minister Fraser highlighted the need for multi-level government cooperation to tackle the housing crisis, stating that the federal government will proceed with or without provincial partnerships to ensure support reaches communities in need.