QSA's Week in Social Issues (#10, 2025)
Seniors programs expanded; Indigenous Justice Strategy unveiled; UNCSW session participation; Homelessness initiatives funded; Disability Benefit regulations introduced.
Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news concerning social advocacy issues.
Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.
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Start Date: 2025-03-09
End Date: 2025-03-15
Top Headlines
Main Stories
Expansion of Seniors Programs in Canada
The Government of Canada announced the expansion of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), aiming to enhance seniors' social inclusion and support community projects. With over 40,000 projects funded since 2004, the latest call will provide up to $61.9 million for pan-Canadian initiatives targeting vulnerable seniors. Minister Stevens MacKinnon highlighted the program's focus on addressing social isolation, ageism, and elder abuse.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Indigenous Justice Strategy Launched
Canada's first-ever Indigenous Justice Strategy was unveiled by Minister Arif Virani to address systemic discrimination and overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system. The strategy involves collaborative work with Indigenous partners, provinces, and territories, and aims to revitalize Indigenous laws. Initial funding will be sourced from Budget 2024 and other resources.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Canada's Involvement at UNCSW 69th Session
Minister Marci Ien led Canada's delegation to the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women, marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration. The session emphasized advancements in women's rights, with Canada affirming its commitment to gender equality through partnerships with various stakeholders.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal Funding for Homelessness Initiatives in Alberta
A new agreement between the Canadian and Alberta governments will provide $35 million in federal funding to address homelessness. The initiative includes Community Encampment Response Plans to support individuals in cities like Calgary and Edmonton, enhancing shelter safety and transitional housing.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Introduction of Canada Disability Benefit Regulations
The Canada Disability Benefit Regulations were published, detailing eligibility criteria and consultation inputs. The benefit aims to reduce poverty among working-age persons with disabilities, with extensive engagement from stakeholders shaping the final regulations. The use of the Disability Tax Credit as an eligibility criterion was noted as a point of contention.
Sources: Canada Gazette, Part II: www.gazette.gc.ca
Important Updates
Secondary Stories
Support for Seniors in Outaouais Region
The Government of Canada approved 42 projects for up to $6.5 million to support seniors in the Outaouais region through NHSP and AWAH initiatives.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Volunteer Awards Announced
The 2024 Canada's Volunteer Awards honored 21 recipients for contributions to community enrichment, including cultural projects and homelessness initiatives.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency Investment in Northeastern Ontario
FedNor announced a $1.125 million investment in the North Bay and Area Rural Community Immigration Pilot to attract newcomers and address employment gaps.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Addressing Homelessness in Winnipeg
An allocation of $27.3 million was made to End Homelessness Winnipeg to fund services that reduce homelessness through the Designated Communities stream.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Federal Engagement in Bangladesh and Indo-Pacific Region
Canada committed $272.1 million to development projects in Bangladesh focusing on gender equality, education, and climate action.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Age Well at Home Initiative Details Announced
The Age Well at Home initiative will expand services for seniors, with over $40 million allocated for in-home support and scaling-up projects across provinces.
Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca
Provincial Announcements
Québec Solidaire Proposes Conversion of Churches into Shelters
Québec Solidaire suggested converting vacant churches into emergency shelters to address the homelessness crisis in Montreal, calling for government action.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Quebec Allocates Funding for Intergenerational Exchanges
Quebec announced $552,612 funding for projects facilitating intergenerational exchanges between students and seniors in various regions.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Rent Support for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence in BC
BC and federal governments enhanced the Canada-BC Housing Benefit to support survivors of gender-based violence with rent assistance.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca
Saskatchewan Expands Family Support Services
The Government of Saskatchewan partnered with Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit to provide $750,000 annual funding for in-home family support services.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca
Quebec's Support Plan for Haiti
Quebec announced nearly $1.7 million for initiatives aiming to improve living conditions and democratic governance in Haiti.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Saskatchewan Health Care Recruitment Toolkit Released
Saskatchewan Health Care Recruitment Agency released a toolkit to help communities support health care practitioners' retention efforts.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca
Quebec Announces Commemoration Project Funding
Quebec allocated $866,010 to support 18 commemoration projects, emphasizing historical events and Indigenous narratives.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Alberta's Homelessness Support Agreement
Alberta announced a $35 million federal-provincial agreement to fund projects addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca
Crime Proceeds Funded Community Organizations in Quebec
$2 million from confiscated crime proceeds redistributed to 40 community organizations in Quebec for crime prevention.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Quebec's Tax Measures for Persons with Disabilities
Quebec introduced changes to tax credits and deductions for persons with disabilities, enhancing financial support options.
Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.quebec.ca
Public Officials' Social Media
MP Michelle Ferreri Criticizes Government Policies
Michelle Ferreri addressed rising living costs and crime, attributing them to Liberal mismanagement, and emphasized Conservative plans for economic reform.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Leah Gazan Highlights Gender-Based Violence Crisis
Leah Gazan called for increased support for women and gender-diverse people amid rising gender-based violence and criticized Conservative stances on reproductive rights.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Majid Jowhari Announces Funding for Child Maltreatment Prevention
Majid Jowhari announced a call for proposals offering up to $1.5 million for projects addressing child maltreatment and family violence.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
MP Tony Van Bynen Promotes Programs Addressing Child Maltreatment
Tony Van Bynen encouraged community organizations to apply for funding to prevent and address child maltreatment, emphasizing long-term health impacts.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
Senator René Cormier Advocates for Human Rights
René Cormier expressed support for strengthening human rights protections, focusing on women's rights and minority rights in governance discussions.
Sources: Social Media: x.com
