Canada and Quebec accelerate construction of 500 housing units for the homeless

In Quebec, on November 29, 2024, a significant announcement was made regarding the government's commitment to support vulnerable populations experiencing homelessness. The governments of Canada and Quebec have chosen 22 housing projects across the province aimed at constructing a total of 500 affordable housing units. This initiative falls under the Programme d'habitation abordable Québec (PHAQ) and is part of a broader effort to address the ongoing housing crisis faced by many individuals and families. Jean-Yves Duclos, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and France-Élaine Duranceau, the Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing, made this important announcement at the fourth États généraux de l’itinérance au Québec event. The funding to support these housing projects involves $900 million from the federal government, acquired through the Canada-Quebec Agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), and an additional $900 million from the Quebec government as indicated in its fall 2023 economic update. The PHAQ program focuses on accelerating residential construction to ensure projects commence within a year of their selection. Highlighting the critical nature of these projects, Duranceau spoke specifically about one initiative that will see a 23-room building established by the John Howard Society of Quebec, catering to those at risk of homelessness. The broader context reveals systemic challenges contributing to homelessness in Quebec and across Canada. Government officials, including Lionel Carmant of Quebec's Social Services Department, recognize the complexities of homelessness and advocate for a collaborative approach to tackle these issues effectively. Such dialogue aims to establish a framework for preventing and reducing homelessness while ensuring all individuals have access to safe, stable housing. Additionally, a number of supplementary programs have been put in place alongside this housing initiative. For instance, households moving into these newly constructed units may take advantage of the Rent Supplement Program offered by the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), which caps rental costs at 25% of the household's income. Other programs aim to provide targeted financial resources to youth leaving the child protection system, as well as to enhance the capacity of housing authorities to manage diverse housing issues effectively. With the Housing Accelerator Fund being a $4 billion initiative by the Government of Canada, the expectation remains high for significant improvements in housing supply nationwide. The commitment to supporting vulnerable Canadians aligns with ongoing federal and provincial efforts to ensure that every individual has access to affordable and stable housing.