So much has happened since my last update!
In addition to now 78 Councillors from across Ontario taking a stand against the use of the Notwithstanding Clause, other voices are speaking up!
Civil Society
The National Right to Housing Network, Canadian Centre for Housing Rights, the Women's National Housing and Homelessness Network, and the National Indigenous Women's Housing Network have authored a joint letter against the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to clear encampments.
Joining them is the Wellesley Institute, who have also authored a blog post on the use of the Clause.
Legal Community
On Monday, a public letter was released by 450 lawyers and legal scholars across Ontario detailing that use of the Notwithstanding Clause to undermine homeless people's Charter right is an abuse.
Federal Housing Advocate
The Federal Housing Advocate has written to Premier Ford asking him to respect the human rights of homeless people.
Mayors and Councils
Perhaps most exciting of all is that one of the 15 Mayors who signed onto the letter to use the Notwithstanding Clause has been flipped!
In a Council meeting yesterday, Mayor Joe Preston of St. Thomas, Ontario rescinded his previous position endorsing the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to clear encampments. This is a major win!
You can also read the announcement from the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness here.
We also saw County of Brant, just next to Brantford (whose Mayor is among the 15), pass a motion yesterday evening against the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to clear encampments. They join Toronto and Hamilton in explicitly refuting the use of the Clause.
However, the fight isn't over ... and we need you!
In the next two weeks, motions against the use of the Notwithstanding Clause will be introduced in four municipalities:
- Orillia — December 9th, 2 pm @ City Council
- Sign up to speak to Council (you will only be permitted to speak during 'Open Public Forum' — be sure to request to speak on December 9 about Orillia's position on the use of the Notwithstanding Clause!)
- Guelph — December 11th, 9 am @ City Council
- Chatham-Kent — December 16th, 6 pm (LINKS TO COME)
- St. Catharines — TBD (LINKS TO COME)
The Town of Goderich and the Region of Waterloo are also expected to introduce motions. Stay tuned!
Warmly,
Diana