Fréchette meets Montreal mayor after child found in homeless camp

Coalition Avenir Québec Leader Christine Fréchette met Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada on Friday after the discovery of a oneyearold child at a homeless encampment in the city’s east end intensified debate in Quebec’s election campaign. Before the meeting, Fréchette announced new municipal promises, including a $250 million emergency homelessness fund. She said the incident at the NotreDame Street encampment was heartbreaking and called for stronger coordination among governments, community groups and the private sector. After the meeting at Montreal City Hall, Fréchette said she would work with the mayor on transitional housing and mental health if her party forms government after Oct. 5. She also said the child’s presence in the camp underscored the need for action on homelessness, a theme that other party leaders also addressed in Quebec City on Friday.