Canada’s homeless population is shrinking compared to previous estimates—at least for those living in shelters, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.
In a paper released on June 16, Statistics Canada reported that the census count of people living in shelters in 2021 was less than half the number it was in 2016.
“The census is not an adequate tool to frequently enumerate the homeless population,” said the study, titled “A Review of Canadian Homelessness Data, 2023,” as first reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.
“However, the census enumerates the homeless population in shelters across the country in real time.”
According to the agency, the 2021 Census counted 9,275 shelter residents, mainly in Ontario (4,060) and British Columbia (2,595). The 2016 Census counted more than twice the figure in 2021 with a total of 22,190 shelter occupants recorded nationwide….