Quebec Declares Homelessness Awareness Day

Summary#

• This bill would create a Quebec-wide Homelessness Awareness Day.

• It sets the day as the third Friday of October each year.

• The goal is to raise public understanding, reduce stigma, and support peaceful community life.

• Key changes:

  • Proclaims the third Friday of October as National Homelessness Awareness Day in Quebec.
  • Encourages public awareness and education about homelessness.
  • Lines up with the long‑running “Night of the Homeless” held on the same date.
  • Takes effect once it becomes law; it does not create a holiday or time off.

What it means for you#

• Residents

  • You may see more events, vigils, or information campaigns about homelessness each October.
  • No day off work or school. This is not a statutory holiday.
  • More chances to volunteer, donate, or learn how to help.

• Community groups, schools, and faith organizations

  • A clear annual date to plan awareness activities, lessons, or fundraisers.
  • Easier to coordinate with cities and health services on joint events.

• Municipalities and local services

  • Likely more requests to support or host awareness events on that day.
  • A common date to share data, resources, and services with the public.

• Businesses and employers

  • Possible requests to sponsor events or run staff drives for donations.
  • No new legal duties or reporting requirements.

Expenses#

• No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Raises public understanding and reduces stigma toward people experiencing homelessness.
• Gives schools, cities, and nonprofits a fixed date to work together and reach more people.
• Builds on an existing community event (the Night of the Homeless) to increase visibility.
• Low-cost way to keep attention on a growing social issue across Quebec.
• Can boost volunteering and donations for shelters and support services.

Opponents' View#

• Symbolic only; does not add housing, mental health care, or funding for services.
• Risk of “awareness fatigue” if not paired with concrete action and resources.
• Could shift focus from year-round needs to a single day.
• May create minor administrative work for local bodies to plan events without new support.