Mark Carney is trying to do what Justin Trudeau couldn’t. Why his homelessness plan is being met with cautious optimism

Detailed summary

The budget’s $30-billion commitment is being praised but experts and advocates say Ottawa will have to think creatively.

The Carney government’s ambitious plan to end homelessness within 10 years has been met with cautious optimism, with experts and advocates saying the feds will need to think outside the box to avoid the fate of previous governments that failed to achieve that goal.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government announced Friday it would invest nearly $30 billion to address the country’s homelessness crisis, which includes $10 billion through Crown corporation Build Canada Homes to build 25,000 supportive and transitional homes nationwide, but also billions for mental health supports and benefits for Canadians on the verge of losing their housing.

At a press conference Friday alongside Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, Carney outlined the three-pronged approach of focusing on “help, housing and health.”

“We understand both how difficult this will be, but equally how imperative it is,” Carney said.

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