Can Man Dan Demands Change for Edmonton's Homeless
PSA: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 30th, 2025
Can Man Dan Demands Change and Immediate Support for Edmonton’s Homeless Community
The award-winning activist has declared “enough is enough” and that “the joke is over” as he demands accountability and support for Edmonton’s homeless.
Edmonton, AB – Award-winning activist and local philanthropist Daniel Johnstone, also known as Can Man Dan, is crying out for immediate change and increased support for Edmonton’s homeless population after personally working closely with their community over the last year. This call to action stems from Johnstone after he routinely witnessed the collective hardships and lifestyles of those living on Edmonton streets, which often left him feeling saddened and disturbed.
“What I have personally witnessed over the last year in regards to Edmonton’s homeless population can only be described as horrific, saddening, and deeply disturbing, and I’m about done with seeing it continue,” said an angry Johnstone. “Our streets are littered with drugs and violence, there is not enough shelter space, agencies are doing less and less due to a lack of funding, there is no focussed support system or game plan from our bodies of government, and it’s almost as if there is no hope. People are literally dying in our streets, whether its from the harsh environment or drugs, and everyone is seemingly okay with it. Well, I’m not, and I’m about ready to do something about it. Enough is enough, and it’s time for a change.”
Johnstone, who has been a prominent voice for Edmonton’s underprivileged communities for nearly 15 years, has outlined a three-point call to action, which he hopes will begin the long process of rebuilding community support for the unhoused. And, with looming federal and municipal elections on the horizon, Johnstone’s plan hinges on the support of newly elected officials from both levels of government.
“First and foremost, with looming elections on the horizon, I am calling on our politicians to get involved. The homeless and impoverished are not your campaign slogan, they are the people you were elected to help and serve. Which is why I am calling on all elected officials to roll up their sleeves and get to work. We need your help, we need your leadership, and we need your service — remember that these are your constituents, too. Secondly, I am calling for either our current or upcoming city council to reinstate the ‘Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness,' and to actually push for it to succeed. Again, councils in the past have used that plan as a tool or a prop just to get elected, but I want a council who is passionate about the mission,” detailed Johnstone.
While Johnstone’s plan relies on government assistance and attention, Dan also says that the everyday citizen can also make miraculous change by donating to a worthy cause or volunteering at a local homeless shelter.
“Third and finally, I am calling on the everyday citizen to make a difference in their community and help us solve this monumental problem. The societal issues and long-suffering that stem from homelessness are easily preventable if we all pitch in when we can and help out where we can. Which is why I am calling on Edmontonians from every corner of the city to get involved. Regularly donate to a homeless shelter and volunteer whenever you can. Your partnership is paramount to the cause and in order to create long lasting change we will need your help in this too,” said Johnstone.
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