WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The federal government has committed more than $1 billion toward tackling homelessness in Winnipeg, including funding to build 2,000 new transitional and supportive housing units and establish a Centre for Mental Health and Addictions.
The investment was outlined in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s 2026 federal budget, presented on November 5, 2026. The initiative is part of Ottawa’s broader plan to put Canada on a path toward ending homelessness within the next decade.
The government says more than 2,000 people are currently experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg, making the city the starting point for its new housing and support model.
$800 Million for New Housing Units
Under the proposal, Ottawa will provide up to $800 million in capital funding to construct 2,000 new transitional and permanent supportive housing units.
The housing will form part of an integrated approach that combines accommodation with access to health services, mental health treatment, addiction support and other community-based assistance.
The remaining federal investment will support the development of a new Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, bringing acute and outpatient care together with housing and wraparound services.
The federal government says the project will be developed through partnerships with public and private organizations, while Manitoba will be responsible for funding ongoing operations.
Carney Government Looks to Address Homelessness
The Winnipeg initiative is part of a national commitment to address homelessness through stronger cooperation between federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Budget 2026 proposes $11.2 billion over four years, beginning in 2027–28, and another $17.8 billion in future years for measures aimed at helping people secure stable housing and access essential support services.
The plan also includes investments in affordable housing, mental health facilities and programs designed to prevent homelessness.
Manitoba and Winnipeg Welcome Federal Support
Manitoba Finance Minister Adrien Sala welcomed the announcement, saying the investment would help accelerate the province’s efforts to address chronic homelessness.
Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham also described the commitment as a major opportunity to address some of the city’s most difficult challenges.
The provincial government launched its Your Way Home strategy in 2025 and has set a goal of ending chronic homelessness in Manitoba by 2031. By late July 2026, the province reported that 249 people previously living in homeless encampments had been housed.
A Long-Term Approach to Housing and Recovery
The proposed Winnipeg centre is expected to follow the model used at Dunn House, a supportive housing initiative in Toronto that combines accommodation with health and social services.
The federal government says stable housing, combined with appropriate medical and community support, can help people move away from homelessness and reduce repeated reliance on emergency services.
The investment represents a major commitment to Winnipeg, although its success will depend on cooperation between governments and the delivery of housing and support services over the coming years.
Swifteradio.com
