Visible homelessness continues to grow in Québec
Visible homelessness continues to grow in Québec
Visible homelessness continues to grow across Québec, leading to an increase in encampments, greater pressure on public services, and cohabitation challenges in many communities. In response to this situation, the Québec Collective for the Prevention of Homelessness is proposing a major reform aimed at acting upstream rather than simply managing crises. And its impacts are being felt in several regions. There has been a rise in encampments, mounting pressure on public services, and increased tensions around shared public spaces. Pearl Eliadis, lawyer, McGill University professor, and chair of the Collective’s legislative reform project, gives us an overview of the current situation:
“Quebec is experiencing an alarming increase in visible homelessness. Between 2018 and 2022, the amount of visible homeless people has increased by 40%, and by 20% between 2022 and 2025. Despite years of effort and governmental measures to stand against the phenomenon, they’re still not enough; they’re also often temporary and cost a lot of money. “
The Québec Collective for the Prevention of Homelessness is proposing a shift from a crisis‑management approach to a true prevention strategy. Among its recommendations are the recognition of the right to housing in the Québec Charter, the prevention of evictions, and better support for young people leaving youth protection centers, correctional facilities, and hospitals in order to avoid situations that lead to homelessness. Once again, Pearl Eliadis explains:
“Québec committed itself back in 1976 by ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, a United Nations treaty. However, the province has never followed through by including the right to rehousing in the Québec Charter. Moreover, when a right is listed and protected in the Québec Charter, the principle, the standard, and the right apply to all laws and all public policies.”
In summary, the homelessness situation in Québec continues to raise serious concerns in many communities, both socially and in terms of pressure on public services. For the Québec Collective for the Prevention of Homelessness, the issue is no longer just about managing visible consequences, but about intervening upstream to prevent the pathways that lead to homelessness.
The recommendations put forward focus on structural changes, including stronger protection of the right to housing, more effective eviction prevention, and better support for people during critical transitions such as leaving youth protection centers, prisons, or hospitals.
