# Quebec Youth Shelter Project Delayed Due to Funding Uncertainty The CasaMaris initiative for at-risk youth faces postponement after health authorities delay financial support. - **Source:** [La Presse](https://www.lapresse.ca) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6258200a-6981-4597-8355-0793100e014a ## CasaMaris Project Postponement The CasaMaris project, designed to provide shelter for at-risk youth in Quebec City, will not launch this winter. Organizers were forced to delay the initiative after Sante Quebec postponed its portion of the funding to an indefinite date. The vessel remains in Montreal, unable to reach Quebec before the November 15 lock closures. ## Initial Optimism and Support Simon Paquin, director of EcoMaris, previously received positive feedback from Sante Quebec, which labeled the initiative a five-star project. With prior support from Services Quebec, the organization felt confident enough to hire staff and announce a winter launch. However, the expected mid-September funding confirmation failed to materialize, leading to current operational uncertainty. ## Financial Breakdown and Requirements The total operating budget for the project is 1.3 million dollars, with Sante Quebec expected to contribute approximately 500,000 dollars. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity has committed 651,000 dollars through its research program. Organizers refuse to move the boat without full budget confirmation to avoid incurring unnecessary logistical expenses. ## Governmental Silo Challenges Simon Paquin criticized the slow, siloed nature of government operations despite a stated desire for innovation. While Services Quebec remains committed to the project, the lack of coordination between departments has hindered progress. Paquin argues that creative solutions are often stifled when essential financial conditions are not met in a timely manner. ## Official Stance on Funding Mélanie Otis, spokesperson for Sante Quebec, stated that while the EcoMaris proposal is relevant and interesting, certain elements require further clarification or adjustment. The agency is continuing discussions with the organization to explore potential avenues for future support. Several other projects in the region have already been selected and funded through this call. ## Impact on At-Risk Youth The project specifically targets young adults at risk of homelessness, including those aging out of the Youth Protection Directorate. Participants were intended to receive six weeks of social support and transition services aboard the vessel. The delay means these vulnerable individuals will lose access to this specialized housing and guidance program this winter. ## Future Outlook and Adaptation EcoMaris plans to launch the project in the spring, provided full funding is secured. If successful, the program will operate for one year before transitioning to a seasonal model. Discussions regarding a potential increase in financial participation from the Ministry of Labour are ongoing, with a meeting held as recently as November 9. ## Context of Maritime Innovation The vessel, EcoMaris 2, is typically used for educational cruises on the river during summer months. Transforming it into a year-round shelter represents a significant logistical shift for the organization. This initiative highlights the complexities of repurposing existing infrastructure to address urgent social crises like homelessness within the current administrative framework. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/2026-11-12/jeunes-a-risque-d-itinerance/pas-de-bateau-refuge-a-quebec-cet-hiver.php?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=fil&utm_campaign=actualites — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._