The Canadian Homelessness Research Network's Stephen Gaetz spoke in St. John's, Newfoundland last month about the above-average rate of youth homelessness in the city. He cited, as a key issue, the need for the federal government to address a "Housing First" system, to provide shelter augmented by supports:

“The key idea behind it is that people should have a safe shelter and supports to provide them the chance to grow into adulthood to develop confidence, to take risks, take chances at their own pace. They need support and time to develop who they are and we have to not be so impatient.”