The leader of the Quebec Conservative Party has joined forces with former premier Pauline Marois to tackle homelessness in Montreal, particularly the city's largest encampment on Notre-Dame Street. The collaboration was announced on June 17, 2026, amid growing concerns over the housing crisis.
Homelessness Crisis in Montreal
The Notre-Dame Street encampment has become a symbol of the broader homelessness issue in Montreal, with hundreds of individuals living in tents. The partnership between the Conservative leader and Marois aims to find sustainable solutions, combining political will with experience.
Political Collaboration
This unusual alliance crosses party lines, as Marois is a former Parti Québécois premier. Both leaders emphasize the need for immediate action, including increased funding for shelters and supportive housing. They plan to present a joint proposal to the provincial government.
The announcement comes as other news stories highlight ongoing challenges, such as a maternity diversion at Ridge Meadows Hospital and a dealer selling $2.1 million in securities while lying to investigators. Meanwhile, Alberta offers a one-time affordability payment of $100 to residents, and an 81-year-old Ottawa man faces charges for historical sexual assaults.
In other developments, the U.S. CDC has issued a travel warning for Manitoba over a hepatitis A outbreak, and Environment Canada warns of a storm approaching Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. The Quebec Conservative leader's move is seen as a strategic effort to address a pressing social issue ahead of the next election.
