Incredible! In just a couple of days, this petition has gathered 2,400 signatures! Together, we're proving that Ontarians want Doug Ford and their local governments to solve the housing crisis — not revoke the Charter-protected rights of homeless people!

Unfortunately, Doug Ford's office has signified that they "are currently exploring every legal tool available to the province to clear encampments and restore public space and safety.” Ford is dead set on avoiding responsibility for the housing crisis by placing the blame squarely on those most impacted by the crisis — all while his government fails to reach even 50% of their own housing targets.

Most municipalities know this is wrong.

In fact, the 13 mayors who wrote to Ford dissented from a motion recently passed by Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM), which refused to ask for use of the notwithstanding clause. The president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Westport's Mayor Robin Jones, also questioned clearing encampments without a root-cause strategy: "where do they get moved to?"

It also seems that the mayors of Guelph (Cam Guthrie) and Chatham-Kent (Darrin Canniff) did not even consult with their City Councils before publishing the letter — and they're likely not the only ones.

The majority of political leaders and people like you are onside. I think we have the power to stop Ford — but I need your help!

If you can continue to share this petition on your social media and with your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours, we can get Ford and the 13 mayors to back down. 

I'll have more updates to share as I organize additional actions, but until then, you can hear me tomorrow morning on CBC radio in multiple cities:

• 6:40 Thunder Bay
• 6:50 Kingston-Waterloo
• 7:00 Ontario Morning (Barrie, Peterborough, Kingston)
• 7:10 London
• 8:10 Windsor

Thank you for your support! Together, we can protect homeless people's Charter rights!

Diana