Discussion · Government Orders
Jean-Denis Garon Bloc Québécois
“Homelessness is mainly Quebec's responsibility, and Quebec knows how to handle it. We asked for funding transfers with no strings attached so Quebec can deal with this crisis before winter. But the budget gives Quebec zero dollars in these transfers.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague. He knows I really like him. There is indeed a homelessness crisis. In Quebec, we are showing strong leadership. Ms. Marois spearheaded an initiative, and there will be a summit on homelessness. The Premier of Quebec is the minister responsible for the fight against homelessness. We asked the government to extend some important transition programs in the budget, including the Reaching Home program, and those programs have been renewed. We are happy about that, but homelessness falls mainly under Quebec’s jurisdiction in many ways. Quebec is responsible for rehousing people, Build Canada Homes, mental health and public safety issues. Quebec has that expertise. Because the homelessness situation is becoming more urgent with winter approaching, we asked for an unconditional transfer to Quebec, which developed expertise in this area some time ago, whether my colleagues like it or not. When reading the budget, I noticed that there was zero dollars in unconditional transfers.”
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague. He knows I really like him. There is indeed a homelessness crisis. In Quebec, we are showing strong leadership. Ms. Marois spearheaded an initiative, and there will be a summit on homelessness. The Premier of Quebec is the minister responsible for the fight against homelessness. We asked the government to extend some important transition programs in the budget, including the Reaching Home program, and those programs have been renewed. We are happy about that, but homelessness falls mainly under Quebec’s jurisdiction in many ways. Quebec is responsible for rehousing people, Build Canada Homes, mental health and public safety issues. Quebec has that expertise. Because the homelessness situation is becoming more urgent with winter approaching, we asked for an unconditional transfer to Quebec, which developed expertise in this area some time ago, whether my colleagues like it or not. When reading the budget, I noticed that there was zero dollars in unconditional transfers.