In the News

In Edmonton, the number of people experiencing homelessness has surged to 4,697, an increase of nearly 2,000 over the past year, marking the highest count since at least 2019. This figure includes those in shelters, those without any shelter, and those in provisional accommodations. Experts, including Damian Collins from the University of Alberta, describe the […]

Indigenous seniors in Winnipeg reported feeling compelled to live in substandard housing in unsafe neighborhoods, according to a two-year research project summarized in the report “Minosin Kikiwa,” which means “a good home” in Swampy Cree. Commissioned by the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the report calls for new residential developments that

A committee of Alberta chiefs is expressing concern over Canada’s commitment to First Nations’ water rights amid a $1.1 billion class-action lawsuit. They criticize the federal government’s defence in court, which claims it has no legal obligation to ensure access to clean water for First Nations, contradicting public statements from politicians. Chief Rupert Meneen of

Melanie Doucet, an adjunct professor at McGill University, shared insights from her study, “Finding Our Way Home,” at a youth homelessness forum in Saint John, New Brunswick. Drawing from her own experiences in the foster care system in the 1990s, she highlighted the urgent need for social support for youth aging out of care, many

Erland Missewace, a member of Eabametoong First Nation and currently unhoused, expressed hope for safety if Thunder Bay, Ontario, creates a temporary village for the city’s growing homeless population. The city council has approved a 10-step plan addressing homelessness, which may include up to 100 units with hygiene facilities and on-site support. Missewace, who has

First Nations leaders in Manitoba are criticizing the federal government for failing to adequately fund Jordan’s Principle, a policy aimed at ensuring that First Nations children can quickly access necessary health-care services. Despite a 2017 Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ruling mandating that requests be processed within 12 to 48 hours, leaders like War Lake First

The third annual Homelessness Challenge has commenced in Elliot Lake, organized by the Elliot Lake Women’s Group to raise awareness about homelessness in the community. The event, which encourages participants to camp outside for three nights and four days, aims to challenge misconceptions about homelessness and highlight the struggles faced by those in need. Executive

Vancouver’s park board has initiated the closure of a homeless encampment at CRAB Park, which has existed since 2021. Currently, seven residents remain, and the park board aims to transition the area back to public use by November 7. Although the park board claims these individuals have been offered shelter and housing options—some declined multiple

The Uquutaq Society is planning a potential five-storey, mixed-use building in Iqaluit’s core area to provide affordable housing and commercial space. The proposed site, located along Queen Elizabeth Way in the ATCO Loop, has not yet been opened for bidding by the City of Iqaluit. During a recent community information session, Kevin Eaton, Uquutaq’s incoming

Last winter, Edmonton experienced a significant increase in frostbite-related amputations, with 110 cases reported—the highest in over a decade. In contrast, Calgary recorded a decline for the second consecutive year, with amputations around one-third of Edmonton’s numbers. This divergence is attributed to differing city policies: Edmonton’s aggressive encampment eviction strategy and Calgary’s implementation of a