Andrew Knack — "Encampment Response in Edmonton" (May 2023, own campaign site)

Original source: https://andrewknack.ca/blog/EncampmentResponseMay2023 Retrieved: 2026-07-04 Author: Andrew Knack (then councillor; later Mayor). Primary voice.

• Frames the whole issue as provincial: "Housing, shelter operations, and mental health/addictions support are all provincial jurisdiction."
• "we have more than 1,100 fewer permanent shelter beds in Edmonton" compared to Calgary, despite similar homelessness rates.
• "We are at a crisis point. The City of Edmonton will continue to do everything possible to help but we need the order of government who has the financial resources and the jurisdiction to fulfill their obligations."
• "Housing saves lives. Housing saves money. The evidence is clear."
• "the total number of people experiencing homelessness has doubled since 2019."
• Position: supports the city's encampment response protocols while insisting lasting solutions (beds, supportive housing, mental-health services) are the province's job — city as "willing partner" filling a jurisdictional gap.