How provincial and federal budgets are worsening Toronto's homelessness crisis

Plus, a trial in a snowbird's disappearance and the First Home Savings Account [The Star] First Up [By Manuela Vega] By Manuela Vega Good morning. Here’s the latest on Toronto’s homelessness crisis, a Canadian snowbird’s disappearance and the new First Home Savings Account. DON’T MISS Steve Russell/The Star housing [Why the homelessness crisis could get even worse]( Toronto is losing shelter sites, one by one, and struggling with emergency bed capacity as pandemic-era funding from other levels of government dries up. Now, the city’s homeless are being dealt another blow. As new budgets from the provincial and federal governments fail to offer a lifeline, Gord Tanner, general manager of city hall’s shelter, support and housing administration division warned the city could face more fast-tracked shelter closures and increasingly tight sites as early as the start of next year. All the while, the need for help is likely to grow. [Victoria Gibson explains what the budgets are and aren’t offering.]( - By the numbers: The city is spending $317 million more than it has to operate shelters this year, Tanner said. If that gap is not filled in January 2024, the city may be forced to shut down more shelters than planned. The system is already overwhelmed — 72 people on average were turned away from shelters each day in February. - More numbers: More than 10,800 people in Toronto were homeless in February, up about 1,300 from the year before. - The aftermath: People who can’t secure shelter have often resorted to [hunkering down on the transit system and in emergency rooms](. Suppplied Photo crime [The suspects in a snowbird’s Mexico disappearance are finally set for trial]( Four years after Malcom Madsen went missing, three suspects are finally scheduled to stand trial in Mexican court this week. The Canadian snowbird’s former girlfriend, along with her son and her brother are charged with “disappearance committed by individuals,” which is used when the fate of a missing person is unknown. Kenyon Wallace reports on the evidence that has surfaced throughout the search for truth — [and what is known about Madsen’s last public sighting](. - Watch for: Prosecutors are seeking a prison term between 25 and 50 years for the suspects and are planning to present roughly 100 pieces of evidence, according to local reports. - On the home front: “I have had moments of hope that brutally collapsed while searching for my dad,” said Madsen’s daughter Brook Mullins, who has conducted her own investigation and is pushing Mexican authorities to do more. “Regarding the trial, I’ll believe it when I see it.” - More: Mullins said Global Affairs Canada has done little to help. Most recently, it declined to provide her a translator during the trial, saying it is the responsibility of the Mexican court. The agency told the Star “consular services” are being provided to the Madsen’s family. Ramon Ferreira/The Star personal finance [The First Home Savings Account is finally here — here’s how it can save you thousands in taxes]( A new federal plan is set to help Canadians save for their first home, tax-free. With the FHSA, prospective home buyers can contribute up to $8,000 of tax-free savings each year, with a lifetime contribution maximum of $40,000. To avoid taxation, account holders must transfer all funds and close the account within 15 years of opening it, Clarrie Feinstein explains. [Here’s what you need to know about the benefits and drawbacks of the plan — plus how else you can save](. - Silver lining: “The main pro is a good tax advantage for saving for a down payment, and you can use your existing registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) asset to fund the account as well,” one financial expert said. “There’s a fair amount of flexibility and a clear advantage of doing that to save for a down payment.” - More: For the time being, the Big Six banks are not offering the FHSA. Some are hoping to launch the account in the summer, while others said they plan to offer it “later in 2023.” WHAT ELSE Canada’s relationship with the U.S. is in decline — [and no one wants to talk about it](. Why Ontario’s top doctor says [high-risk people should get a COVID booster this spring](. Here’s how Doug Ford’s controversial Ontario Place plan is [shaking up Toronto’s mayoral race]( Everybody is interested in Toronto’s election. [Here’s how voters can make the most of the campaign season](. Police, meet Mr. Risky Business. [Listen to the fourth bonus episode of “The Billionaire Murders” here](. This is the “heartbreaking” story behind an [owner’s decision to abandon their dog in a Toronto park](. With “almost no notice at all,” GO Transit changes have [frustrated southern Ontario commuters](. With lentils, halal meat and more, [Alberta food banks are addressing the demand for cultural groceries](. It’s never too early — [here’s a guide to talking to your family about what’s in your will](. Has 18-20 per cent become the bare minimum? [Here’s what Canadians are tipping](. [This whimsical home is the dream child of two eccentrics]( passionate about ‘80s art and design, and an unconventional Quebec architect. Could AI agencies replace fashion models? [This is the “unsettling” threat it poses — and a major company that’s already made the move](. POV Ivonne Villatoro Photo [What happens when more and more grandparents are chasing fewer and fewer grandkids?]( CLOSE-UP Andrew Francis Wallace/The Star QUEEN STREET EAST: The Easter Bunny waves to his friends along the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade route on Sunday. [Here’s a look into the planning for the record-breaking event that drew a crowd of at least 50,000 people](. Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_175668). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. 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