"Absolute waste of space": Jann Arden calls out Premier Smith over handling of homelessness during cold snap

Canadian singer and actress, Jann Arden took to social media on Sunday to share a video that had been circulating on Instagram that appeared to show a lineup of people outside the Bissell Centre in Edmonton during the extreme cold snap.

Arden didn’t hide her disdain for the Alberta premier’s handling of the homelessness crisis during the “extremely dangerous” weather, not mincing words when she called her “an absolute waste of space.”

@jannarden/Instagram

However, the Chief Executive Officer at the Bissell Centre, Gary St. Amand was on CBC Radio on Monday morning saying reports that the centre had turned away people over the weekend weren’t accurate. He also added they put put up an additional warming spot in the community during the extreme cold.

The Alberta Government also added that they do not directly fund the Bissell Centre.

The original video was shared to Instagram by local author and journalist Brandi Morin and read:

“Taken last night at Bissell Center in Edmonton — they were over capacity and people standing outside. It was nearly -40°C! Told Kohkum’s out there, crying. They started a fire to keep warm. @ABDanielleSmith jasonjnixon there is not enough emergency shelter spaces unlike you’re claiming. Those whose encampments were torn down Weds were in this line up,” reads the Instagram post.

The video was reportedly taken by a member of the Bear Clan Patrol in Edmonton.

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People in the comments were also quick to share their criticism of the situation portrayed in the video posted to Instagram, including NDP MP Janis Irwin, the official opposition critic for housing, who used it as evidence that more spaces for unhoused people are needed.

Others shared their disgust over the lack of proper housing, stating it’s a human rights crisis.

In an email to Daily Hive, the Alberta Government added that it has invested $75 million to homeless initiatives in Edmonton including shelter spaces, outreach services and pathways into housing.

“We have now opened 1,771 shelter spaces in Edmonton,” the Province added.