Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez-Ferrada has issued a warning of potential legal action against Quebec following the discovery of an infant residing with their mother in a makeshift settlement on Notre-Dame Street. The child, aged just over a year, was located last Friday in a tent with their mother by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM). Subsequently, law enforcement officers retrieved the child, who was then placed under the care of Quebec youth services (DPJ), while the mother was taken into the custody of social services.
Authorities have confirmed that the infant’s well-being, health, and safety are not compromised, and they are presently being looked after by a family member. Mayor Martinez-Ferrada reiterated her concerns about the inadequacy of Quebec’s response to the homelessness crisis in Montreal, emphasizing that she believes the provincial government can and should implement more effective measures. She highlighted the financial constraints hindering her administration’s ability to tackle homelessness in the city and expressed readiness to pursue legal recourse for necessary support.
The individuals residing in encampments along Notre Dame street are situated on Quebec-owned property, and attempts by the city to dismantle these structures have been thwarted multiple times by superior court rulings. In response to the situation, Quebec Premier and Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette described the incident as tragic and vowed to prevent its recurrence. She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among all government levels to combat homelessness in Montreal and throughout the province, announcing plans for a meeting with Mayor Martinez-Ferrada in the near future.
Additionally, Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard echoed Fréchette’s sentiments, attributing responsibility for the homelessness crisis to officials at various administrative levels. He emphasized the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of the issue. Ruba Ghazal of Québec Solidaire denounced the situation, calling for increased investment and political commitment to resolve homelessness. Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon expressed dismay, advocating for enhanced social support systems for vulnerable populations in the province.
Meanwhile, Éric Duhaime, the Conservative Party of Quebec leader, expressed sympathy for individuals residing in encampments but advocated for the prompt dismantling of such settlements. All five party leaders have agreed to participate in a homelessness forum scheduled for 2027.