Yesterday, two major municipal organizations and one Mayor have pushed back on the narrative that encampments can only be solved by revoking homeless people's Charter rights.
First, Ontario Big City Mayors (OBCM), who represent 29 of the largest cities in Ontario, clarified that they do not support the use of the notwithstanding clause.
Second, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) released a policy position that advocates for real solutions to the crisis of encampments — including investing in deeply affordable and supportive housing. Not by invoking the notwithstanding clause!
Third, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has rejected the use of the notwithstanding clause to clear encampments — and that's a big win for our side.
With the AMO representing a coalition of 444 Ontario municipalities, and the OBCM representing 16 cities that didn't sign on to the letter advocating for the notwithstanding clause (including Toronto), it's clear that the mayors who think Charter rights mean nothing are in the vast minority.
But ... their camp is growing too:
Today, the Mayor of Welland, Ontario has joined in calling for the use of the notwithstanding clause. And it's possible other mayors may follow suit.
We can't make it easy for them. We need to keep going!
Here's how you can help:
Delegations: In the coming days, we'll be organizing delegations to the local Councils whose Mayors signed onto requesting the notwithstanding clause. Want to join us? Then let us know about your interest and availability by clicking here.
Drumming Up Support for Media Coverage from Our Side: While we've made significant headway in building pressure, it's infuriating that most of the media attention has focused on this issue from the side of the mayors:
- Why Cambridge's mayor wants Ford to use notwithstanding clause for encampment action
- Windsor mayor supports notwithstanding clause to clear homeless encampments
- St. Catherines Mayor explains support for use of constitutional notwithstanding clause for encampments
- Is the notwithstanding clause a tool to address homelessness? Some Ontario mayors think so
Be vocal on your social media! The louder we are, the more likely the media will pay attention to our counter-narrative — and I'll continue to pitch stories.
Otherwise, continue to sign and share this petition!
Diana