The governments of Canada and Alberta sign an agreement to address unsheltered homelessness
EDMONTON, AB, March 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the federal government and the province of Alberta announced that an agreement to support people living without homes, including in encampments, has been signed as part of the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI).
Funding will support the implementation of Community Encampment Response Plans (CERP) and immediately provide additional support to people living without homes. Each plan is tailored to the specific needs of a community.
Through this agreement, over two years, close to $35 million in federal funding will be made available in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Red Deer. This is on top of what the federal government is investing through the regionally delivered streams of Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy, a total of $597.2 million from 2019-20 through 2027-28 in Alberta.
The Government of Alberta is investing over $430 million into initiatives to reduce homelessness across the province in 2024-2025 and 2025-2026.
This funding will support investments in shelter safety, accessibility and capacity, as well as transitional housing and supports for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Funding will also be used to increase access to navigation/hub services, provide transportation support and pet care for those exiting encampments, and support initiatives tailored and dedicated to populations with specific needs, such as youth, Indigenous peoples, and families.
Housing provides stability and security and serves as the foundation for overall well-being. Everyone has a right to safe housing, regardless of their circumstances. Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to live.
Quotes
"Edmontonians understand the need to take care of our most vulnerable population while also maintaining safety within our communities. This agreement is a critical step to improving the pathways to permanent housing for those who need it most. All orders of government are stepping up to ensure that every Albertan has a safe and secure place to call home."
Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre
"Encampments are not a safe place for vulnerable people to live, and we will not abandon our fellow Albertans to freeze in tents where they are being victimized and losing their lives. Homelessness is a shared responsibility between all levels of government and this agreement with the federal government is a significant step in helping to get Alberta's most vulnerable off the streets and into more stable situations where they can focus on building their futures."
Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, Government of Alberta
Quick facts
The Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI) will help reduce the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, particularly those living in encampments. It is based on the deployment of a Community Encampment Response Plan (CERP) in each targeted community, adopting an approach that promotes housing stability with support services to ensure the dignity of individuals.
Federal funding provided for this agreement is part of a $250 million commitment, outlined in Budget 2024, to address the urgent issue of encampments and unsheltered homelessness across Canada.
The $250 million investment from the federal government is a tool to coordinate matching funds from provincial and territorial governments to address encampments throughout the country.
The UHEI builds on existing programs like Reaching Home, through which the federal government is investing $5 billion over nine years to address homelessness across Canada.
Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy supports the goals of Canada's Housing Plan and the National Housing Strategy – to support the needs of the most vulnerable Canadians and to improve access to safe, stable and affordable housing.
Since 2015, the federal government has helped almost two million Canadians find a place to call home.
Associated links
Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy
Canada's National Housing Strategy
Canada's Housing Plan
UHEI Announcement - City of London
UHEI Announcement - Quebec
UHEI Announcement - Northwest Territories
UHEI Announcement – Ontario and Saskatchewan
Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2025/11/c4299.html
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Electricity sector urges federal government to adopt national plan to meet rising power demand
Electricity Alliance of Canada, an electricity industry coalition, outlines five priorities to secure clean, reliable energy and support Canada's economic future OTTAWA, ON, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada's electricity sector is calling on the newly elected federal government to develop a bold and immediate plan when it comes to electricity in Canada. This is urgently needed to meet growing demand, secure the country's economic future and become an energy superpower. Last week, the federal government introduced the One Canadian Economy Act, which highlighted the need for building projects in the national interest. There is no greater national interest project than building Canada's electricity grid. The electricity sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture. With climate change accelerating, global energy dynamics shifting, electricity demand increasing and potential U.S. tariffs looming, Canada cannot afford to lose its strategic energy advantage. Canadians expect affordable, reliable and secure power—and the electricity industry is committed to delivering it. Canada's economy was built on dependable power. Today, more than 60 per cent of electricity is generated from hydroelectric sources, with nuclear, wind, solar, and energy storage playing growing and essential roles. Yet current electricity production—around 630 terawatt-hours annually—will not meet future needs. As industries electrify, manufacturing returns, and the economy becomes more digital, pressure on electricity systems will grow significantly. To meet this growing demand, substantial investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution are essential—not only to keep the lights on, but to create jobs and secure long-term prosperity. The electricity sector is urging the new federal government to act on five urgent priorities: Streamline project approvals and clarify investment incentivesThe One Canadian Economy Act promises to accelerate project approvals. This is desperately needed. Slow and uncertain approval processes hinder investment and delay critical projects. The industry needs an efficient, 'one project, one review' process for major electricity projects and a finalized version of the Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits. On carbon pricing, a flexible approach should support environmental outcomes while ensuring regional fairness and global competitiveness. Partner meaningfully with Indigenous communitiesThe proposed act also promotes the need for Indigenous voices to be heard. Indigenous partnership in clean energy projects is vital to Canada's future, and Indigenous voices must be heard when it comes to energy decisions. The federal government should also expand tools like the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program to ensure Indigenous partners can participate fully and on their own terms, supporting reconciliation. Build interprovincial energy corridorsCanada must turn long-standing conversations about interprovincial grid connections into action. The federal government, provinces, Crown corporations and utilities must collaborate to support energy trade, infrastructure development and labour mobility in regulated occupations. Secure electricity supply chainsGlobal supply chains are facing disruption from tariffs, regulation and trade tensions. The federal government must help manage these risks and ensure the resilience of supply chains critical to electricity infrastructure. Invest in workforce developmentThe future grid requires a skilled, well-trained workforce. Continued federal investment in long-term training programs will help produce the tradespeople and engineers needed to support reliable, clean and resilient electricity systems. Affordable, reliable and clean electricity is a strategic Canadian advantage. The sector has already increased supply while reducing emissions, and is prepared to do even more. The One Canadian Economy Act indicates it's time to focus on "nation-building" projects. Building up the electricity sector—generation, transmission and distribution—not only represents a project in the national interest; it enables all other national interest projects. The electricity sector is ready to get to work on a strong, resilient system to meet growing demand and protect Canada's economic future. Canada needs a bold electricity plan—now. This statement was jointly issued by: Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association Francis Bradley, President and CEO, Electricity Canada Michelle Branigan, CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada George Christidis, President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association Elisa Obermann, Executive Director, Marine Renewables Canada Lorena Patterson, President and CEO, WaterPower Canada About Electricity Alliance CanadaElectricity Alliance Canada is a coalition of six industry associations promoting the power of electrification to lead the way to a sustainable energy future. Our mandate is to enable, promote and advocate for the increased use of electricity throughout the Canadian economy to help achieve Canada's net-zero emissions target. SOURCE Electricity Canada View original content: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities for a safer, more equitable and inclusive Canada
OTTAWA, ON, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Pride Season is a time to raise our voices—and our flags—to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other sexual and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) communities. It is also a time to recommit to building a country where everyone can live in safety and dignity. Today, as the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag was raised on Parliament Hill, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced $1.5 million to support the security needs of Pride festivals across Canada. This funding—administered by Fierté Canada Pride through Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate—will help cover the rising cost of safety and insurance planning, so organizers can continue building welcoming and inclusive spaces for all. As we begin Pride Season, the Government of Canada remains committed to working with 2SLGBTQI+ communities to build a future where no one is left behind. Quote "Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported in their community. That starts with action—and with empowerment. Standing with 2SLGBTQI+ communities means building a Canada where everyone can live authentically and thrive. Today's funding matters. It strengthens local efforts to protect and uplift 2SLGBTQI+ communities and helps ensure Pride events across the country are safe, inclusive, and joyful for all." The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Quick facts As part of Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate, an investment of $15 million was committed to combat hate towards 2SLGBTQI+ communities. WAGE's public awareness campaign Unity addresses the stigma faced by members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. It encourages Canadians to come together and play an active role in reducing that stigma by increasing the knowledge and skills needed to create a more inclusive future for all. Associated links Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan 2SLGBTQI+ Unity awareness campaign Women and Gender Equality Canada Fierté Canada Pride: Community Safety Fund Follow Women and Gender Equality Canada: Website Equality Matters newsletter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram YouTube SOURCE Women and Gender Equality Canada View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
MEDIA NOTICE - Canada's Premiers to Meet in Huntsville July 21-23, 2025
Media accreditation required OTTAWA, ON, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - As Chair of the Council of the Federation, Ontario Premier Doug Ford will host the 2025 Summer Meeting of Canada's Premiers from July 21 to 23 at Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, ON. Media Accreditation Media representatives who wish to cover the 2025 Summer Meeting of Canada's Premiers must register online by July 17, 2025. Individuals will be screened to ensure they are official media representatives. Media Accommodation Media representatives are responsible for making their own hotel reservations. Media Centre A media centre will be set up in the Waterhouse Ballroom, located on the lobby level of the Pavilion Building at Deerhurst Resort on Monday, July 21 through Wednesday, July 23. A unimic will be available in this location. The room will be equipped with wireless internet access and power outlets. Preliminary Media Program (All times and events are to be confirmed) All times are Eastern Time (ET). Monday, July 21 7:00 a.m. Media registration and media centre open Waterhouse Ballroom, Lobby Level, Pavilion Building, Deerhurst Resort 7:00 p.m. Media centre closes Tuesday, July 22 7:00 a.m. Media registration and media centre open Waterhouse Ballroom, Lobby Level, Pavilion Building, Deerhurst Resort 9:20 a.m. Photo Opportunity 4:30 p.m. Update from COF Chair 6:00 p.m. Media centre closes Wednesday, July 23 7:00 a.m. Media registration and media centre open Waterhouse Ballroom, Lobby Level, Pavilion Building, Deerhurst Resort 1:00 p.m. Closing News Conference 6:00 p.m. Media centre closes The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians. SOURCE Council of the Federation Secretariat View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
