Alberta and Ottawa agree to work on homelessness assistance deal [Video]

The same week that a federal cabinet minister and an Alberta cabinet minister traded tersely worded statements about their attempts to work together on matters relating to homelessness and encampments, the two have agreed to work together on new funding to address the issues.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada issued a statement Wednesday night to say that federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser spoke by phone with Alberta’s Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon.

“Minister Nixon communicated the government of Alberta’s continued willingness to partner with the federal government and to cost-match the additional federal funding to address encampments and unsheltered homelessness,” the statement read. “The ministers agreed to provide the initial funding to four priority communities in Alberta, including: Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Red Deer.

“The ministers have directed their respective officials to meet in the coming days and to negotiate a deal which would see this funding go to communities …