An Edmonton city councillor is pleading with the Alberta government to work with council to come up with a meaningful solution to homelessness after failed attempts by the city.
Coun. Andrew Knack said he's done everything in his power to end homelessness, but the problem keeps getting worse. He's calling on the provincial government to step up.
Speaking to Global News on Thursday, Knack said 302 people died on the streets of Edmonton in 2023, a massive increase from the 37 deaths reported in 2019.He said council has provided millions of dollars in funding for patchwork solutions to homelessness, most of which do not fall under the city’s jurisdiction, but the work is not being coordinated with the province.
“It just feels like, no matter who’s the mayor, no matter who’s the premier something isn’t getting done.”Knack said Wednesday’s motion, which carried unanimously, aims to ensure the right governments are investing in the proper supports to achieve the same goal. He said the city will always play a role in tackling homelessness but is pushing for the province to play a bigger role.Heather Jenkins, press secretary for municipal affairs minister Ric McIver, responded to Knack in a statement to Global News.
She said Knack is very active in trying to solve the city’s homelessness crisis, but she doesn’t believe the entire council is fully on board.
Andrew Knack Edmonton Homelessness Homelessness Politics
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