Thanks to you, more people are paying attention to this critical issue. While the media to date has been dominated by the Mayors who are requesting the notwithstanding clause, more voices are being given a platform to launch a counter-narrative.
- Today, my op-ed was published in the Toronto Star: "What you need to know about people sleeping in tents in parks — they have nowhere else to go"
- Aaron Wherry of the CBC also published an excellent op-ed: "After a brief retreat, politicians are again clamouring for the notwithstanding clause"
Underscoring our argument is that this decision is dangerous: it would give municipalities total immunity for the violation of encampment residents' legal rights, and that it would severely limit the accountability and oversight of state actors in Ontario. It would also open the door for other groups to similarly have their Charter rights revoked. That can't happen.
Outside of the media, other community and advocacy groups, both local and national, are pushing back — and I encourage you to sign on to their petitions.
- From Black Lives Matter — Sudbury: "Homes Not Handcuffs: Investing in Our Community"
- From the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness: "Mayor & City Council: Homelessness is a crisis, not a crime"
And in political news, we had a big win yesterday in Hamilton. A motion requesting the use of the notwithstanding clause, which was brought to Council by Councillor Matt Francis — who bypassed any public deputations on his motion — was defeated, 9-6.
While this is great news, we still have more work ahead of us. But together, I know we can win! Continue to share this petition and share resources like the op-eds and petitions above!
Stay tuned for a big update on Monday — I'll have much more to share!
Warmly,
Diana