Federal Housing Minister Criticizes Ontario for Reduced Social Housing Support

Nate Erskine-Smith announces $91M federal-municipal agreements to tackle homelessness as Ontario faces scrutiny for funding cuts.

Federal Housing Minister Nate Erskine-Smith urged Ontario to increase its commitment to social housing, citing a 10% decline in provincial spending despite federal contributions.
Erskine-Smith criticized Ontario for downloading responsibility for social housing to municipalities, making it the only province to do so.
The federal government signed $91 million in agreements with nine Ontario municipalities and two in Saskatchewan to support encampment response plans, including new shelter spaces and transitional housing.
Ontario and Saskatchewan governments declined to match federal funding, prompting Ottawa to bypass them and work directly with municipalities.
Erskine-Smith highlighted the urgency of these agreements to provide immediate support during winter, with similar deals reached with other provinces and territories.