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Prime Minister Mark Carney has outlined a federal plan to end homelessness in Canada within 10 years, acknowledging that past government efforts fell short due to poor coordination, insufficient resources and a lack of sustained commitment.
Federal Government Commits Billions to Fight Homelessness
Carney made the announcement Friday at a press conference in Winnipeg. He said the federal budget allocates $11.2 billion over four years, beginning next year, and $17.8 billion over 10 years to tackle homelessness across the country. The funding model involves the federal government covering construction costs, while provinces and other partners fund ongoing operations.
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The budget estimates approximately 65,000 Canadians are currently homeless. However, critics argue the real number could be significantly higher. The federal approach focuses on three areas: building affordable housing, supporting vulnerable people and providing health services to help individuals escape homelessness long-term.
Carney chose Winnipeg as his first stop after Thursday’s budget release because Manitoba already has a coordinated plan in place. “The government of Canada, the province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg and private philanthropy in recent months have all been coming together to develop a comprehensive plan that works,” he said.
Winnipeg Receives Over $1 Billion in New Investment
Winnipeg will receive at least $1 billion in new funding. The money will go toward 2,000 new housing units and the construction of a Centre for Mental Health and Addictions. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew described the investment as a “huge, humungous deal” for the province.
In return, Manitoba commits $84 million per year to support what the federal government builds. Kinew said the province has not yet selected a location for the health-care campus. However, he pledged to meet Carney’s three-year construction target. “We’re going to get it done right, we’re going to get it done quick,” Kinew said. The provincial NDP also has a shorter goal of ending chronic homelessness in Manitoba by 2031.
Unprecedented Coordination Across All Levels of Government
Kinew said faster progress is now possible because of historic cooperation among federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous governments. “It’s the first time in our country’s history where every level of government has come together to tackle homelessness, including First Nations and Metis governments,” he said.
Friday’s event took place at Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn, the former Hudson Bay store in Winnipeg. The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is transforming the building into an Indigenous hub offering housing and other community services. Grand Chief Jerry Daniels welcomed the announcement. “I think it’s good for the people of Winnipeg,” he said, adding that he remains hopeful for those experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges.
Jennifer Moore Rattray, CEO of End Homelessness Winnipeg, also welcomed the investment. She said strong coordination between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations already exists in the city. What had been missing, she said, was adequate funding. “We know what works in community. We have been doing it for years. Now we actually have the investment,” Rattray said.
