In response to a call from notable figures, the Parti québécois (PQ) and the Parti libéral (PLQ) have pledged to hold a significant homelessness summit by June 2027. This commitment is contingent on either party forming the next government.
Advocacy for Zero Homelessness Goal
An open letter, published in Le Devoir, included signatures from key individuals, such as the mayors of Montreal and Quebec City, Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Bruno Marchand. They advocated for a “zero homelessness” approach similar to Finland’s successful strategy.
In response to this initiative, PLQ leader Charles Milliard and PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon expressed their support on social media. Both leaders committed to convening all stakeholders for a large summit if elected in the upcoming October elections.
Historical Context and Urgency
The movement was primarily led by former Premier Pauline Marois, who has a background in social work. During an interview with La Presse Canadienne, she expressed her outrage at witnessing individuals living on the streets in deplorable conditions. Marois observed a lack of coordination among various efforts to combat homelessness despite numerous commendable initiatives.
She highlighted that inconsistent policies and miswritten regulations often hinder progress. Marois emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that consensus-building can yield significant results in Quebec.
Statistics and Current Situation
According to a 2025 count, Quebec has approximately 12,000 homeless individuals. Recent comments from Lionel Carmant, the Minister responsible for Social Services and Homelessness, indicated that areas outside major urban centers that face homelessness will receive timely assistance.
Official data reveals that between 2022 and 2025, five regions in Quebec experienced a homelessness increase of over 50%:
- Abitibi-Témiscamingue: 119%
- Laurentides: 74%
- Côte-Nord: 65%
- Laval: 59%
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean: 51%
The government recently announced an investment of $28 million to tackle homelessness in several regions, including Outaouais and Montreal.
Programs and Solutions in Development
Carmant attributed the rise in homelessness mainly to evictions linked to unpaid rent. His government has allocated $21 million over three years for a pilot project under the Rent Supplement Program aimed at financing 1,000 housing units. Additionally, $7 million will support individuals facing severe mental health challenges or addiction through the PRISMD program.
The Rent Supplement Program is designed to assist individuals facing the imminent loss of their housing. Under this initiative, those at risk can remain in their homes while paying only 25% of their income in rent.
Finland’s Housing First Model
Finland serves as a prominent example of effective homelessness intervention. The “Housing First” model, established in 2008, prioritizes housing provision without preconditions regarding health issues. In the late 1990s, Finland had over 20,000 homeless individuals; however, this number dropped to approximately 3,800 by 2024.
Bruno Marchand, the mayor of Quebec City, cited this model as an inspiration for his local zero homelessness initiative, which he introduced in 2021. The success of the Finnish strategy underscores the potential for similar approaches in Quebec.
