Montreal's Mayor Mourns Unhoused Deaths

0:00It's March 27. From your city to your ears, this is Canada News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. Montreal's mayor grew emotional this week after learning two unhoused men died within 24 hours. Both passed away at different shelters, and they were well known to community workers after years on the streets. That brings the death toll among the unhoused to at least three in just one week. The city announced $412,000 in funding for a community group to help clear encampments along Notre Dame Street. Meanwhile, workers supporting the indigenous unhoused community are mourning another recent loss, an indigenous woman who died at a shelter. Officials like the mayor and the city council are responsible for social services, shared their frustration and sorrow. They described feeling powerless despite building close ties with those they serve, and frontline staff say the constant losses are deeply traumatizing. Deaths like these often stem from overdoses, especially in encampments and they're rising

1:00fast in the indigenous community. One group noted 32 clients died in under two years last fall, with 26 being indigenous, highlighting a growing crisis. All levels of government must step up with better funding and tracking of unhoused deaths to adapt services and prevent more tragedies.