The dust is slowly descending on the announcement of the latest CAQ budget. The reactions it elicited are mixed, but one observation remains: community organizations remain unsatisfied, and with good reason.
Followers of the neoliberal current will certainly be happy with the approach adopted by the Minister of Finance, Eric Girard. For the others, the economic measures announced clearly reflect the lack of importance given to the poorest people or people living in difficulty in our society.
Who benefits from the tax cut?
With the tax reduction, we understand the intention of giving people the choice of using these amounts where they wish. The inflationary environment is putting strong pressure on households, as is the housing crisis, and the easy solution is for people to have more money to get through this period. Yet those most in need will see no benefit. This is the case for the majority of young people who are accommodated in the Auberges du Cœur du Québec.
We manage to find, here and there, measures to help populations at risk of experiencing homelessness, especially young people, but we wonder about their structuring impact.
Under axis 3 of the budget, Supporting the most vulnerable, an amount of $211.2 million is allocated to increasing mental health, homelessness and addiction services. However, once this amount is detailed, we see that homelessness gets $35 million for five years. What’s more, this amount will be used to increase the number of places in emergency shelters. Although very necessary to meet current needs, this measure pales in comparison to prevention.
In measure 3.4, Reinforce care and services for young people in difficulty, there is no indication that organizations for the prevention and fight against youth homelessness are supported in their mission.
Is this the government’s vision of homelessness prevention? Have we forgotten that in this matter, we must adopt a global vision that includes income, housing, education, access to physical and mental health care and social reaffiliation?
Recognize the contribution of community organizations
For the Regroupement des Auberges du cœur du Québec, the observation is striking: the community environment is once again being neglected. However, it is in the best position to recognize and develop solutions to the various problems experienced in the communities, to reach populations far from institutionalized services and to face the challenges of tomorrow. The announced investments are, in some respects, barriers to development and to the inclusion of vulnerable people.
Recognition of community youth shelters inevitably requires a form of fairness with other types of shelters whose mission is similar, that is to say, to offer services 24/7 all year round. The Auberges du Coeur alone have an annual underfunding of $22 million. A sum that would allow them to be fully committed to their mission, rather than seeking to fill budgetary gaps or having to restrict services.
The year will be difficult for these houses which welcome young people experiencing difficulties and whose needs and problems are becoming more complex.
We ask the government that community vitality once again become a collective force in Quebec. Messrs. Legault, Dubé, Carmant, Girard and Lacombe and Madame Rouleau, will you be able to grasp the hand that we are extending to you?