End Homelessness Winnipeg receives $27.3M in additional federal funding
End Homelessness Winnipeg is getting an additional $27.3 million in federal funding to prevent and reduce homelessness.
A community advisory board at End Homelessness will decide how the funding will be spent, CEO Jason Whitford said at a news conference on Tuesday.
The money will likely go toward strengthening housing first programs, extending hours at shelters, and homelessness preventative measures for children aging out of care and people exiting the justice system, he said.
"Housing is more than just a roof over someone's head. It is about belonging, safety, healing and helping that individual fulfil their purpose," Whitford said.
The funds come through the national homelessness strategy's designated communities and Indigenous homelessness streams, which provide funding to 64 urban areas, three territorial capitals, 30 Indigenous communities and rural and remote communities across Canada.
Tuesday's announcement brings the total for Winnipeg through these streams to $174.7 million from 2019-20 to 2027-28.
Whitford said more than 75 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg are Indigenous, although Indigenous people only make up 14 per cent of Winnipeg's total population.
"Addressing this disparity requires solutions that are Indigenous-led, culturally grounded and driven by the voices of those most affected to create lasting change," he said.
End Homelessness Winnipeg, which works to address systemic barriers contributing to homelessness in the city, completed a point-in-time street census count in November last year that will be released in mid-April, Whitford said.
The preliminary results from the survey suggest there has been an influx of people exiting the justice system and child-welfare system who are released into shelters because they have nowhere else to go, he said.
Investing in appropriate and innovative housing support reduces homelessness, restores dignity, strengthens community and promotes reconciliation, he said.
"Eliminating chronic homelessness takes a co-ordinated effort," Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr said at the news conference.
Living without adequate housing prevents people from improving their lives, Carr said, and intergenerational trauma, mental health struggles, addictions and other socio-economic barriers contribute to chronic homelessness.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
an hour ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Wildfire evacuation underscores need for Red Dress Alert system
Opinion The grassroots organization Giganawenimaanaanig released an interim report this week on the progress of the proposed Red Dress Alert, an initiative that would notify the public and help co-ordinate responses when an Indigenous woman, girl, or two-spirit person goes missing. Similar to an Amber Alert, which is issued when a child goes missing, the program responds to the calls for justice in the national inquiry on murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls and the parliamentary motion put forward by Winnipeg Centre MP Leah Gazan in 2023 to create the initiative. After receiving unanimous support in Parliament, a $1.3-million fund was established to research and make recommendations on how the program could be implemented nationally. Manitoba stepped up to take the lead. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES Giganawenimaanaanig called on all governments to implement the Red Dress Alert program by early- to mid-2026. After consulting with 29 urban, rural, and First Nations and Métis communities throughout Manitoba, Giganawenimaanaanig called on all governments to implement the program by early- to mid-2026. 'Every day that the Red Dress Alert is not implemented,' project lead Denise Cook said, 'is a day that someone could go missing.' In the wake of four murders of Indigenous women by a serial killer in Winnipeg, and countless other MMIWG in Manitoba, the value of a Red Dress Alert is obvious. When considered alongside the amount of young women and two-spirit people in the child welfare system, the rise in domestic violence, and a city of Winnipeg police force that called the search for Indigenous female remains at a landfill 'unfeasible,' the initiative is need more than ever. It's needed now, in fact. More than 17,000 evacuees, mostly from northern First Nations, have been displaced owing to wildfires. In excess of 10,000 of them are in hotels or other lodgings in Winnipeg. That means this city has had an influx of thousands of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit peoples — individuals preyed upon by many forces here. It's well-known that when Indigenous peoples are evacuated due to fires, floods, or some other traumatizing disaster, certain considerations in the health, justice, and emergency management systems must take place. For instance, many First Nations are alcohol-free due to a long history of complicated relationships with substance use. This community law is impossible to maintain off-reserve but community leaders combat the issue in other ways: such as by providing extra mental health services, family-building events, and even patrols to support people during their time as refugees. The same could be said about health, justice, and even governance. Simply put, due to a long history of political mistreatment, Indigenous communities require specific considerations when displaced by disasters. The issue of MMIWG2S+ is a disaster, too. Combined with recent fire evacuations, the situation has become critical. All this week, Indigenous social media has been full of individuals working overtime to protect Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit peoples from nefarious forces. 'I'm gathering a crew of helpers this evening,' posted activist Rylee Nepinak of the downtown patrol group Anishiative. 'After speaking to multiple sources (mainly our women), it's clear we need as many boots on the ground watching for any predatory/exploitative signs (and) talk to the kids about safety.' Indigenous leaders are reporting that predators have approached displaced vulnerable individuals online and in person to offer drugs, alcohol, and invite them to 'party' in a private home — where a sexual or physical assault can easily take place. Advocates have created a list of 'safety tips when heading out in Winnipeg' that include: travelling in pairs, informing family and support staff of travel and return plans, and keeping location apps activated on their cellphones. Isabel Daniels, a vulnerable person advocate, warned in a post: 'Nothing is for free: if people are offering FREE substances SAY NO… Please be cautious of the things people are offering, Fentanyl is in a lot of street drugs.' Daniels also posted a dire message: 'People offering you FREE clothing, cellphones and liquor can be human traffickers, ALWAYS SAY NO.' Winnipeg police are joining the fight to educate and keep Indigenous people safe by providing extra officers and visits to evacuee shelters and printing 3,000 pamphlets with emergency contacts and tips to remain safe. Similar situations have been reported in other cities where evacuees are being sheltered, such as Thompson and Brandon. Wednesdays Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences. Community groups have recommended Indigenous families take photos of their female and two-spirit members in case a missing person report needs to be filed. If one didn't know better, one might see the release of the Red Dress Alert interim report, alongside a real-life emergency related to the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals, as a well-planned political move. It isn't. It's evidence the issue is urgent, laid bare right before our very eyes, now more than ever. Red Dress Alert report Niigaan SinclairColumnist Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe and is a columnist at the Winnipeg Free Press. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
5 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada introduces legislation to build One Canadian Economy
OTTAWA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, introduced new legislation to build a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient Canadian economy. One Canadian Economy: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act, will remove federal barriers to internal trade and labour mobility, and advance nation-building projects crucial for driving Canadian productivity growth, energy security, and economic competitiveness. Advancing Major Projects The proposed legislation will accelerate the realization of major, nation-building projects that will help Canada become the strongest economy in the G7, deepen our trade relationships with reliable partners, and create good Canadian jobs. The federal government will determine whether a major project is in the national interest based on consultations with provinces, territories and Indigenous Peoples. Projects will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria: Strengthen Canada's autonomy, resilience and security; Provide economic or other benefits to Canada; Have a high likelihood of successful execution; Advance the interests of Indigenous Peoples; and Contribute to clean growth and to Canada's objectives with respect to climate change. Projects will only be designated following full consultation with affected Indigenous Peoples. When a project is designated, it is conditionally approved upfront. The project will go through existing review processes, with a focus on "how" the project will be built as opposed to "whether" it can be. The federal major projects office will coordinate and expedite these reviews. The results, along with consultation with Indigenous Peoples, will inform a single set of binding federal conditions for the project. These conditions would include mitigation and accommodation measures to protect the environment and to respect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The federal major projects office will include an Indigenous Advisory Council with First Nation, Inuit, and Métis representatives. The federal government will also allocate capacity funding to strengthen Indigenous Peoples' participation in this process. This legislation aligns with the Government of Canada's commitment to a 'one project, one review' approach, which means realizing a single assessment for projects and better coordination of permitting processes with the provinces and territories. The ultimate objective is to reduce decision timelines on major projects from five years down to two years. Canada will uphold its constitutional obligations to consult Indigenous groups to ensure projects proceed in ways that respect and protect Indigenous rights. We are committed to working in a way that respects our commitments to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the principles of reconciliation, including economic reconciliation. Removing Internal Trade and Labour Mobility Barriers This new legislation builds one economy out of thirteen. It removes federal barriers to free trade within our borders while protecting workers, the environment and the health and safety of all Canadians. In cases where there is a federal barrier, the legislation will allow a good or service that meets comparable provincial or territorial rules to be considered to have met federal requirements for internal trade. For Canadian businesses, this will make it easier to buy, sell and transport goods and services across the country. On labour mobility, the new legislation will provide a framework to recognize provincial and territorial licenses and certifications for workers. This means that a worker authorized in provincial or territorial jurisdiction can more quickly and easily work in the same occupation in federal jurisdiction. This new legislation will make it easier to do business across Canada by removing regulatory duplication and cutting federal red tape. It will also reduce costs or delays for Canadian businesses who follow comparable provincial and territorial rules. Quotes "Canada's new government is building one Canadian economy. Today's legislation will remove federal barriers to internal trade, unleash Canada's economic potential, and get major, nation-building projects built faster across the country. It's time to build big, build bold, and build now." —The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada "Our country thrives when we unite around a common purpose. In response to the evolving global trade landscape, the Government of Canada is taking decisive action to strengthen Canada's economy for generations to come. Through this legislation, we are giving ourselves the means to lift obstacles to economic growth and productivity, realize nation-building projects, create jobs and allow businesses to expand. Together with provinces and territories and Indigenous communities, we will make Canada the strongest economy in the G7." —The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy "Trade within Canada is an essential driver of the Canadian economy, creating jobs, helping businesses expand, and enhancing consumer choice. Every year, more than $530 billion worth of goods and services move across provincial and territorial borders. This is equal to almost 20% of Canada's gross domestic product. That is with internal barriers holding us back. Imagine what we could achieve if people and goods flowed freely across borders in a truly unified Canadian market." —The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade "This new legislation is about building a stronger, more connected Canada—by making it easier to trade, faster to build big projects, and better at creating good opportunities for people, businesses, and Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast. Energy and natural resources are Canada's power, and we will deliver projects that leverage these assets in order to strengthen our security, sovereignty, and economy." Associated Links Internal Trade Clean Growth Office First Ministers' statement on building a strong Canadian economy and advancing major projects Prime Minister Carney meets with premiers and shares his plan to build one strong Canadian economy Stay Connected SOURCE President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy Contact : For more information (media only), please contact: Gabriel Brunet, Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, 819-665-6527, [email protected]; Laura Scaffidi, Office of the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, 613-993-0055, [email protected]; Carolyn Svonkin, Office of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, 343-597-1725, [email protected]; Media Relations, Privy Council Office, 613-957-5420, [email protected]
Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
AFN to hold emergency meeting with chiefs on major projects bill
OTTAWA – The Assembly of First Nations will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of proposed federal legislation that would speed up approvals for major projects. National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says she met yesterday with Prime Minister Mark Carney about the bill his government plans to table today, adding that she remains 'deeply concerned' about the potential impact on consultations with First Nations. The meeting with Carney followed a series of comments by federal ministers about the legislation and Ottawa's duty to consult with Indigenous Peoples that Woodhouse Nepinak called 'disheartening.' Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty told The Canadian Press that filling the First Nations infrastructure gap would not qualify as 'nation-building' under the legislation, while Justice Minister Sean Fraser said First Nations don't get a 'veto' over infrastructure projects. Former national chief Phil Fontaine called for the emergency meeting on Monday, saying Canada's governments are trampling on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Assembly of First Nations will also hold a meeting with its executive committee to discuss strategy and the potential legal implications of the legislation ahead of its annual general assembly in July. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
