Quebec urged to reach deal with Ottawa to help fight homelessness [Video]

The mayor of Montreal and the city’s homeless shelters are calling on the Quebec government to make a deal with Ottawa for more money to help people living in encampments in the city.

The federal government has offered as much as $50 million to help address the homelessness crisis, but the Quebec government has been slow to accept the deal, which would require a matching sum from the province. 

Mayor Valérie Plante said Friday the city needs assistance to address the homelessness problem.

“We see it. There’s people living in the street,” Plante said, after touring new housing at Chez Doris, a Montreal women’s shelter.

All told, Plante said $100 million in funding is on hold because of a “constitutional battle” between the provincial and federal government.

“We’re really supporting all the groups that are saying we need that money. Winter is coming, so let’s make it happen.”