The Quebec government is set to announce emergency funding today to aid individuals facing homelessness — a significant move following the formation of a minority government led by the Parti Québécois.
Premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has taken on the responsibility of addressing homelessness by appointing himself as the minister overseeing this issue.
The release of funds comes shortly after the tragic passing of a 66-year-old woman in Sorel-Tracy, Que., who had recently become homeless. Reports indicate that she was found unconscious in a ferry terminal washroom on the night of October 4th after seeking refuge to keep warm.
Following the cabinet swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, St-Pierre Plamondon gathered his ministers to approve the emergency funding, emphasizing the urgency to prepare for the approaching winter season.
In a social media post on Thursday morning, St-Pierre Plamondon expressed his condolences to the woman’s family and stressed the critical need to address housing challenges promptly.
The Parti Québécois government had pledged to reduce homelessness by 50% by 2030 during its campaign. However, the issue persists in the province, with 12,077 visibly homeless individuals reported across 15 regions, as per the latest data from the Health Ministry released in April. The data also reveals a 20% increase in visible homelessness in Quebec from 2022 to 2025, leading to an additional 1,873 people living on the streets.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada welcomed the provincial government’s commitment to support homelessness initiatives, aligning with her administration’s priorities. She emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration to address the pressing housing challenges faced by the city.
As part of Montreal’s cold-weather plan, Mayor Martinez Ferrada has formally requested an annual $20 million contribution from the PQ government to combat homelessness. The city has already taken steps to open nine warming centers across seven boroughs in preparation for the winter season, underscoring the need for sustained financial support from the province to ensure these facilities remain operational round-the-clock.