Quebec has seen a notable increase in deaths among people experiencing homelessness over the five‑year period from 2020 to 2024, with at least 400 fatalities recorded. Data from provincial authorities indicate that women within the homeless population have been affected at a higher rate than men, highlighting a gender disparity in the mortality trend.
The upward trajectory in deaths was first observed in 2020 and has continued each subsequent year, prompting public health officials to monitor the situation closely. While the total number of deaths reaches a minimum of four hundred, the exact distribution by gender is not detailed in the released figures; however, analysts note that women constitute a disproportionate share of the fatalities compared with their overall representation among homeless individuals.
The province’s health and social services departments have documented the rise in mortality as part of broader efforts to track the wellbeing of vulnerable residents. The increase aligns with other reports of growing challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, including limited access to medical care, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and heightened risk of substance‑related complications.
Officials have not released specific causes for each death, but the pattern underscores ongoing concerns about the adequacy of support services for this population. The gender disparity suggests that women experiencing homelessness may encounter distinct risks or barriers that contribute to a higher likelihood of fatal outcomes.
Quebec’s government and community organizations are expected to continue reviewing the data to inform policy responses aimed at reducing homelessness‑related mortality. The recorded surge in deaths serves as a metric for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and for identifying gaps that require targeted assistance.
The trend from 2020 through 2024 marks a sobering indicator of the province’s public health landscape, emphasizing the need for sustained attention to the lives of people without stable housing, particularly women who appear to bear a disproportionate burden of the mortality increase.