OTTAWA — The Green Party of Canada is calling on the federal government to take immediate, decisive action to end homelessness in Canada, condemning the current situation as a humanitarian crisis in one of the world's wealthiest nations.
“It is absolutely unconscionable that in a country as wealthy as Canada, we continue to abandon our most vulnerable populations, leaving them to suffer in the cold,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. “In Winter homeless people in Edmonton are enduring horrendous conditions, including frostbite injuries that lead to amputations, all because they have no safe place to go. Our tax dollars should not be used to punish unhoused individuals by sweeping encampments and stripping them of their few possessions. We need to lead with compassion, providing affordable housing and support services for all.”
New data from Alberta Health Services (AHS) reveals a shocking rise in frostbite-related hospitalizations and amputations among homeless people in Edmonton over a 60-day period earlier this year. From mid-January to mid-March 2024, hospitalizations for frostbite among homeless Edmontonians increased to 292 from 168 during the same period in 2023. Amputation operations also surged to 21 from eight. This alarming trend is being linked to the city's accelerated removal of encampments, further exacerbating the vulnerability of those with no fixed address.
The Green Party highlights successful models in countries like Finland, Norway, and Japan, where homelessness has been virtually eradicated through comprehensive housing policies. These countries demonstrate that ending homelessness is not only morally imperative but also financially prudent.
"Even if we double the supply of public housing here in Canada, we would only be in the middle of the pack compared to our G7 peers," said Kitchener Centre MP Mike Morrice. "Not only is housing a human right, but we know the cost of homelessness is higher than housing a person. We must and can do better."
Despite the Liberal government's "Reaching Home" strategy, which promised to reduce homelessness by 50% by 2028, the issue continues to grow. According to a report by the Homeless Hub, there are currently between 150,000 and 300,000 homeless Canadians, many of whom are considered "hidden homeless" because they are temporarily living with friends or family. The annual cost of homelessness in Canada exceeds $7 billion, yet the government's 10-year commitment to fight homelessness totals only $2.2 billion.
“We cannot wait any longer to act,” added Chris Markevich, Critic for Mental Health and Addictions at the Green Party of Canada. “The Green Party is calling for an immediate increase in funding and the implementation of evidence-based strategies to ensure that everyone in Canada has access to safe, affordable housing. We have the resources to end homelessness—now we need the political will.”
The Green Party of Canada remains committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of all Canadians and will continue to push for a comprehensive, compassionate approach to ending homelessness.
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