The provincial government has established a task force to address homelessness.
Five members of the Liberal cabinet will form the newly formed group, along with several deputy ministers.
Housing Minister David Hickey will chair the task force, and said it will bring the right people together in one place so decisions can be made quickly and effectively.
“Homelessness requires swift, co-ordinated action,” Hickey said.
The task force will aim to build on other actions taken by the government, including implementation of a rent cap, expansion of the direct-to-tenant rental benefit and continuation of the Rent Bank.
There will also be new investments in mental health and addictions, such as a mental health court, supportive housing units and 50 new treatment beds.
The task force is expected to begin work immediately. A provincial homelessness strategy and establishment of an advisory council of community partners will be among its first actions.
Joining Hickey on the task force will be:
- Social Development Minister Cindy Miles
- Justice Minister Robert McKee, also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services
- Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin
- Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy
