In light of restructuring, Valérie Plante aims to hire a prominent figure to address homelessness concerns.
Montreal, Canada - The city of Montreal has announced a significant investment aimed at addressing homelessness and promoting social inclusion. Valérie Plante, the city's mayor, has pledged nearly $22.5 million for projects geared towards helping the homeless.
One of the key initiatives includes the planned opening of another modular housing project in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, in collaboration with RAP Jeunesse. The project is expected to open its doors between December and January, offering 30 units of housing. The Old Brewery Mission has agreed to occupy the units and accompany the residents.
In addition, a modular housing project in Outremont is planned to be ready by spring or summer 2026.
The city's investment will also benefit 39 community organizations, which will receive a portion of the funds for projects promoting social inclusion, cohabitation, and awareness and popular education.
The Quebec Homelessness Solidarity Network is pressing Premier François Legault to make the fight against homelessness "his personal priority" and to allocate the necessary resources. However, James Hughes, President and CEO of the Old Brewery Mission, is not convinced that appointing a minister would make a difference. On the other hand, Samuel Watts, President and CEO of the Bon Accueil Mission, believes that designating a Minister of Homelessness would be a good idea.
Valérie Plante suggests that a minister dedicated to homelessness should be able to bring together ministers dealing with seniors, young people, women's condition, and housing. She emphasizes that this is not a criticism of the current Minister of Social Services, Lionel Carmant.
Meanwhile, the city of Montreal has provided financial resources, shelter spaces, and support services for the network called "Réseau d'aide aux personnes seules et itinérantes de Montréal" (RAPSIM), which is connected with the Legault government to combat homelessness.
In another development, Prime Minister François Legault is being urged by Mayor Valérie Plante to appoint a minister dedicated to the homelessness crisis. This call comes as Russia proposes a "new idea" to the US on Ukraine during a meeting between the Russian foreign minister and his American counterpart in Malaysia.
Elsewhere, Taylor Swift has won a long battle that has been ongoing for over six years. However, the details of this victory are not related to the homelessness issue or the city of Montreal.
Tragically, Isabelle Vaillancourt, the general director of Publications BLD, which publishes "Les DĂ©brouillards" among others, has passed away on Sunday. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
Lastly, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, the candidate for Montreal mayor for Ensemble Montreal, has pledged to speed up the realization of housing projects for the less privileged if elected in November. Ferrada also advocates for a central registry of vacant buildings in the Montreal territory and a call for projects to find a new purpose for these unoccupied structures.
