Quebec housing crisis is worsening, say advocates

A 'for rent' sign is photographed in front of a multiplex in Montreal on Thursday, June 4, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Even more Quebecers are looking for housing than during the same period last year, according to housing group the Front d’action populaire en réaménagement urbain (FRAPRU).

The organization said 2,039 tenants are currently receiving active assistance across the province to find housing, citing data from the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ), during a press conference in Montreal on Friday.

This number is higher than the 1,899 households assisted last year.

These figures are believed to represent only the tip of the iceberg, as other tenants in need are not receiving assistance. Furthermore, tenants are forced to rent housing that is too expensive or does not meet their needs.

FRAPRU believes that rising rent costs are the reason more Quebecers are finding themselves in a precarious situation.

Its spokesperson, Véronique Laflamme, said prices for newly built housing are too high and do not help improve affordability.

This situation is not limited to the Island of Montreal. The Montérégie region has the highest number of cases this year, at 411, followed by the Quebec City region with 299. The number of cases in these two regions has risen sharply.

The situation is relatively stable in Montreal, with 278 cases.

- Stéphane Rolland

- This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on July 3, 2026.