Bill C-50 passed through third reading in the senate Tuesday, June 17, and yesterday afternoon received royal assent. This means the $110 million dollars allocated to MHCC by the Federal government in February now becomes law. The money will fund the five-year Homeless Research Demonstration Projects in communities across Canada aimed at finding ways to help the growing number of homeless people who suffer from mental illness.

Jayne Barker, MHCC Director of Policy, expressed her delight the money is now confirmed. She says activity at the five project sites in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Moncton will now begin picking up speed.

Collectively, the projects will also develop a body of research evidence that will see Canada become a world leader in the area.

Over the next six months, the commission will work closely with provincial and municipal levels of government, researchers, many local service providers and homeless individuals to determine the best way to proceed.