Family of Raphaël André sends 'cry from the heart' for better resources for homeless in Montreal
An event to commemorate the life of Raphaël André was held in Montreal’s Cabot Square Friday at Espace Raphael-André, a warming tent erected during the winter to provide shelter and food to those experiencing homelessness.
André’s family attended the event, along with Indigenous leaders who made an urgent call to the city to allow the tent to remain open.
The warming tent was erected following the death of André, an Innu man whose body was found frozen in January near the shelter where he'd been keeping warm during the day, but which was closed at night on public health's request.
His death made headlines across the country as people demanded better access to services for homeless people during the pandemic.
The tent, which opened on February 2, serves approximately 700 people each week.
People living on the street can warm up and take shelter in the tent. Food and coffee is also available.
It was organized by the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal with support from the city as well as individual donors.
However, since the tent has been operational, the city repeatedly imposed and extended deadlines for when it must come down.
Organizers say that before the tent can be removed, resources for those without homes are needed.
Among them was Raphaël André’s family, who travelled by road from Schefferville, a community more than 1,000 kilometres away, to attend the ceremony.
“Like most Indigenous people who are homeless in large cities, Raphael had much suffering to overcome,” said Carmen André on behalf of André’s family in a news release.
“We send out a cry from the heart to ensure that services adapted to people experiencing homelessness and from Aboriginal communities continue on an ongoing basis.”
“It is our collective responsibility as a society, both the Indigenous communities who have supported this initiative from the start, as well as government and municipal partners, to ensure that these people have access to services adapted to our culture and their specific needs,” added Jean-Charles Pietacho, Chief of the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit.
“If nothing is done and no place is permanently available to them, they will have no choice but to stay on the streets and try to survive by other means.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
BREAKING 1 dead in rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont.; 5 others injured
Ontario Provincial Police confirm one person has died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont. that seriously injured five others.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.