By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Chatham-Kent council has given unanimous support to a motion seeking federal cash to help address encampment and homelessness issues here.
Put forward by Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor at a recent council meeting, the request to the Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities was made because of what he calls a “lack of co-operation and action” between the province and the federal government. Ottawa has already earmarked cash for projects related to encampments and homelessness.
According to McGregor, Ontario communities are currently unable to access the “significant” funds right now because the province has not signed an agreement with the Government of Canada. However, he said Sean Fraser, the federal minister in charge, has stated he will step around the issue and work directly with Ontario municipalities.
“This is a fairly simple actionable item,” McGregor said in speaking to the motion. “This is one of those unfortunate examples when politics gets in the way of helping people. I think that the intention is to work with some larger municipalities, but I hope Chatham-Kent, with our significant need, can make a case here that we should be part of this program as well.”
