Canada plans to end homelessness within 10 years with new funding

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a federal plan to eliminate homelessness across Canada within a decade.

The government intends to use a coordinated approach that combines the construction of affordable housing with long-term health and support services for vulnerable people. Carney stated that the government aims to avoid past mistakes by ensuring efforts are adequately resourced and sustained through multi-level partnerships.

The federal budget provides $11.2 billion to address homelessness over the first four years, with a total commitment of $17.8 billion over 10 years. Under this agreement, the federal government will fund construction costs while provincial governments and other partners cover the ongoing operations. The government estimates that 65,000 Canadians are currently experiencing homelessness, though some critics argue this number is too low.

Manitoba will receive an initial $1 billion to develop 2,000 new housing units and a Centre for Mental Health and Addictions in Winnipeg. In exchange, the province of Manitoba will commit $84 million every year to support the federal construction projects. Premier Wab Kinew noted that this represents a historic level of cooperation between federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as First Nations and Metis governments. Local leaders and community organizations expressed optimism about the investment.

While some members of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization noted they are unsure of the specific amount of housing funding they will receive, they welcomed the announcement for the people of Winnipeg. Community advocates stated that the existing coordination between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups already exists, and the new funding provides the resources necessary to implement their established methods.