Last Monday, 41 Councillors from across Ontario took a united stand against the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to clear encampments. Since then, the coalition of Councillors has grown to 76 — including Council members in Barrie, Cambridge, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Niagara Falls, Oakville, St. Catharines, and St. Thomas, whose Mayors have requested the use of the Clause. You can follow along with new signatories via this link.

Importantly, these 15 Mayors do not have the legislated power — not even under 'Strong Mayor' legislation — to by-pass their local Councils and public consultation, let alone should be able to request the remove people's human rights. They're 'Unaccountable Mayors'.

Of course, 76 Councillors is far more than 15 Mayors, but we need an even larger show of opposition from our local Council members — and you can help! 

Pressure your local Councillor to sign on by e-mailing them this link: https://tinyurl.com/CouncillorsRejectNTWClause

You can use this template in your e-mail:

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Dear Councillor [Name],

People living in encampments aren't criminals, but governments who fail to provide the resources people need — affordable housing and decent shelter in the interim — are breaking the law if they evict encampments. The answer is not to suspend the law, but rather to fight for real solutions to the housing and homelessness crisis.

I ask that you take a stand for homeless people's right to life by signing onto this letter: https://tinyurl.com/CouncillorsRejectNTWClause

The province and Ontario municipalities must reject the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to clear encampments, and commit to upholding homeless people's Charter-protected rights as well as evidence-based solutions to homelessness and encampments.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

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What else can you do?

1. Continue to sign and share this petition! Talk to your friends, families, co-workers, and neighbours about this issue.

2. Delegate! A number of municipalities will be introducing motions at their local Councils, and we'll need people to delegate! 

As well, we will have another big action this week — I'll update you soon!

And in the meantime, you can read some of the media hits from across the province from last week here: 'MEDIA LIST - Councillor Letter RE: Notwithstanding Clause'

Warmly,

Diana