Montreal baby found in homeless camp impacts Quebec election

The discovery of a one-year-old child at a homeless encampment on Notre-Dame Street in Montreal has intensified the debate over the housing crisis during Quebec’s provincial election campaign. Montreal police reported finding a woman and the infant on September 11 in the Mercier—Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, noting that while an investigation is underway, the child’s health and safety were not at risk.

In response to the incident, Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette met with Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada to discuss collaborative solutions. Fréchette proposed a $250-million emergency fund for homelessness and emphasized the need for better coordination between municipal, provincial, and private sectors. She also highlighted the importance of addressing transitional housing and mental health.

Mayor Martinez Ferrada described the situation as a “wake-up call,” stating that Montreal must take action if the provincial government fails to address the growing homelessness problem. The incident has prompted opposition leaders to criticize the current government’s record as Quebecers prepare to vote in the general election on October 5.