Montreal mayor weighs legal action against Quebec after baby found in encampment

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 19, 2026

Photo Courtesy: CBC NEWS

CANADA – Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada is considering legal action against the Quebec government after a baby was found living with their mother in a tent at a homeless encampment on Notre-Dame Street.

Montreal police said the child, just over a year old, was found last Friday and was placed under the care of Quebec youth protection services. The mother was taken into social services care. Police said the baby’s life, health and safety were not at risk and that the child is now staying with a family member.

Martinez Ferrada said the incident highlights what she described as the province’s failure to provide enough support to address Montreal’s homelessness crisis. She said a lack of provincial funding is limiting the city’s ability to respond to the growing problem.

The mayor said she is seriously considering going to court to secure additional support from Quebec. The encampments along Notre-Dame Street are located on provincial land, and Superior Court judges have previously blocked efforts by the city to dismantle tents in the area.

Community organization Carrefour Familial Hochelaga said it remains unusual to find children living on the streets, but the presence of a baby at the encampment demonstrates the severity of the housing crisis. Director Mathieu Morin said the situation has gone beyond simply being described as a crisis.

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette called the case heartbreaking and said it should not happen again. She said all levels of government need to work together and plans to meet with Martinez Ferrada in the coming days.

Other Quebec party leaders also reacted to the case, with Liberal Leader Charles Milliard calling for greater focus on the causes of homelessness, while Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal called for more investment. Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon called the situation embarrassing and urged stronger social safety nets, while Conservative Party of Quebec Leader Éric Duhaime said homeless encampments should be dismantled as soon as possible.

The dispute comes as homelessness becomes an increasingly prominent issue in Quebec politics, with all five party leaders agreeing to participate in a forum on the issue in 2027.