Searching for Solutions

Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter talks about his journey from homelessness to becoming mayor of mid-size Canadian city

Walter Sendzk Season 1 Episode 30

The political debate around homelessness often falls into two camps. Some Canadians feel threatened by homeless people, believing they are a source of crime, and some business owners think they keep customers away. People in that camp mostly just want them gone from the streets. The other camp argues that they are citizens in desperate need rather than a nuisance.

Mayor Dan Carter, who is now in his second term as Mayor of Oshawa, Ontario, has made dealing with homeless people, addictions and mental health issues top priorities during his time as mayor. 

In this episode of Search for Solutions, Mayor Carter brings an unique perspective about what governments need to do based on his time spent on the streets earlier in his life.