CHAT News File Photo

By Canadian Press

Province to make homelessness funding announcement today

Nov 17, 2021 | 11:41 AM

The Alberta government says it will make an announcement today on steps being taken to help people experiencing homelessness and domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Jason Kenney and Community and Social Services Minister Jason Luan are scheduled to hold a news conference at noon at a downtown Edmonton shelter to announce funding and other actions.

City officials say the news can’t come soon enough for Edmonton, which has seen its homeless population double since the start of the pandemic in 2019.

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi says he’s optimistic after meeting with Kenney and Luan.

Sohi says the city has provided $1.6 million to shelters to extend their daytime services until the end of the year, but notes they can’t do it alone.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

11h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Sohi says the city has requested money from the Alberta government to turn Commonwealth Stadium into a temporary homeless shelter for the winter.

He says it breaks his heart to think of residents who have to sleep outside in the cold.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 17, 2021.

The Canadian Press