Madam Speaker, we are in the middle of a serious health crisis, but there is also a social crisis on the horizon.
This morning I spoke with representatives from Réseau SOLIDARITÉ Itinérance du Québec. Homelessness experts predict that the consequences will continue to be felt for years, perhaps as many as five or 10 years. People made vulnerable by the crisis will become homeless.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, funding was announced to deal with the major problem of homelessness. In my riding, a wonderful 24-7, low-barrier shelter called La Halte du coin opened during the pandemic.
Funding was announced in the economic statement and the budget, but no one knows what is going to happen after July 1.
Will these resources continue to exist? The need is there, and it is dire. The government is announcing funding, but it is not meeting expectations.
When will we find out whether these resources will remain open after July 1?