The federal housing minister says his efforts to help end homelessness in Ontario and Saskatchewan are being frustrated by provincial governments that have “not formally responded” to his offers of financial assistance.
Sean Fraser released a statement on Tuesday, saying he would reach out to all provinces on September 18th to “work with the federal government to help evacuate people experiencing homelessness and those living in encampments. “We encourage them to urgently find a new home.”
The federal proposal would see Ottawa contribute $250 million over two years, provided each province is willing to match the funding.
Fraser singled out Ontario and Saskatchewan, saying, “It’s been a month since we made our proposal. To date, the following provinces have officially responded that they will help people in need find housing. I haven’t.”
Fraser’s statement Tuesday said Alberta did not respond to his offer, but the Alberta government has since agreed to cooperate.
Premier Fraser’s office issued a statement Thursday morning saying Alberta and federal government officials will meet “in the coming days” to discuss the cost of sending “urgent” money to Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Red Deer. He said he would negotiate a burden agreement.
Saskatchewan’s provincial government was formally dissolved on October 1, although the provincial election campaign was to send voters to the polls on October 28.
Mr Fraser’s office acknowledged the election was hampering talks between his office and Prime Minister Scott Moe’s government, but Saskatchewan had spoken to his office before the warrant was issued. He said he had time to act and did not act.
Ontario rebels
Fraser said states and territories that choose to enter into agreements with the federal government will be able to choose which communities within their jurisdictions receive funding.
The federal government says if the provinces don’t strike a deal, Ottawa will approach cities directly, starting with Toronto, Regina and Saskatoon, with the intention of striking a common funding agreement.
“We are disappointed in the reluctance of these state governments to partner with us. Because it means we can’t support them,” Fraser said.
“But let me be clear: As winter approaches and lives are at risk, we will no longer wait for them to muster the political will to act.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow would not say whether Fraser had contacted her office, but told CBC News she was open to speaking.
“As winter approaches, we want to act quickly to get people indoors. We are ready and willing to work with any government to achieve this,” he said in an emailed statement to CBC News. said.
Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra dismissed Fraser’s threat to go around government and speak directly to the City of Toronto. He maintained that his office is cooperating with the federal government.
“to [Tuesday]we assumed we were still working with the federal government on this issue,” Calandra said.
“It’s time for the federal government to finally show interest in discussing how Ontario will finance the hundreds of millions of dollars it is investing in homelessness.”
Calandra said Ontario invests more than $700 million each year in homelessness prevention programs. He said he would talk about it when he meets with Fraser next week.
“The federal government already has a funding gap of more than $400 million for Ontario’s housing and homelessness programs,” Calandra’s office said in a statement.
