A Shift in Policy Strategy
Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette has officially committed to hosting a major gathering on homelessness in 2027, marking a shift in the government’s approach to the ongoing housing and social crisis. The announcement followed a high-level meeting with former Premier Pauline Marois, whose initiative to bring party leaders to the table has now secured unanimous backing across the National Assembly.
During a press conference in Quebec City, Fréchette confirmed that if re-elected this coming October, her government would prioritize the creation of a “national plan” rather than a strictly governmental one. This distinction is significant, as the proposed framework aims to integrate commitments from civil society, the private sector, community organizations, and Santé Québec.
Defining the National Plan
The current provincial strategy on homelessness is set to expire at the end of 2026. Fréchette indicated that the new initiative will be data-driven, incorporating clear indicators, objectives, and rigorous monitoring measures to ensure accountability. While the exact format—whether a formal summit, forum, or large-scale event—remains to be finalized, the focus is on establishing concrete performance targets.
“It will be a plan that brings together not only the government’s commitments, but also commitments from civil society,” Fréchette stated. The move comes after months of pressure from advocacy groups and a formal push led by Marois, who successfully lobbied major political parties to prioritize the issue ahead of the provincial election.
The Scale of the Challenge
The urgency of the pledge is underscored by the 2025 homelessness count, which identified at least 12,000 individuals experiencing homelessness across Quebec. Although the provincial government has invested over one billion dollars since 2021 into prevention and reduction initiatives, Fréchette acknowledged that rising rent prices and systemic pressures require more aggressive, collaborative action.
The opposition parties, including the Quebec Liberal Party, the Parti Québécois, Québec solidaire, and the Conservative Party of Quebec, have all expressed support for the summit proposal. With the government’s current strategy reaching its end-of-life, the 2027 summit is positioned as the primary mechanism for setting the province’s social policy trajectory for the coming years.