Vancouver Officials Deny Rumors of Unhoused People Being Sent to Prince George for World Cup
Vancouver isn’t shipping unhoused people to Prince George for World Cup, officials say. But rumours persist

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Rumors claiming that Vancouver is shipping unhoused individuals to Prince George ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been officially denied by city officials. Despite the lack of evidence for these claims, the narrative persists, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding homelessness in Canada.
- 01City officials in Prince George, including Eric Depenau, state there is no evidence of a coordinated movement of unhoused individuals from Vancouver.
- 02Historically, there have been instances of relocation programs, such as 'Project Going Home' in Toronto and a 2016 case involving two men from Saskatchewan.
- 03The City of Vancouver has committed to upholding human rights and has no plans to displace unhoused individuals for the World Cup.
- 04A recent homeless count in Prince George revealed that nearly half of unhoused individuals have lived in the city for over a decade.
- 0575% of unhoused individuals in Prince George identify as Indigenous, highlighting significant demographic disparities.
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Rumors that Vancouver is relocating unhoused individuals to Prince George in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been firmly denied by city officials. Eric Depenau, the director of administrative services for Prince George, stated that there is no evidence supporting claims of a coordinated effort to bus people from Vancouver. While acknowledging that individuals may move for various reasons, including access to services, he emphasized the importance of mobility rights under Canadian law. Sociologist Marc Sinclair noted that similar rumors have emerged across Canada, often reflecting public discontent with government responses to homelessness. Historical examples, such as 'Project Going Home' in Toronto and a 2016 incident involving two men from Saskatchewan, lend some credence to these narratives, though they do not match the current claims. The City of Vancouver has publicly committed to a human rights plan that ensures no displacement of unhoused individuals due to the World Cup. Recent data shows that many unhoused residents in Prince George have long-standing ties to the city, with 75% identifying as Indigenous, raising concerns about societal attitudes towards homelessness and the potential for moral panic.
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The ongoing discourse around homelessness in Prince George may affect local policies and community attitudes towards unhoused individuals.
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