A group of mayors from various cities in Ontario have come together to urge Premier Doug Ford to use the notwithstanding clause in regards to encampments. The mayors, including John Tory of Toronto and Bonnie Crombie of Mississauga, have sent a letter to Premier Ford expressing their concerns about the growing number of encampments in their respective cities.
In the letter, the mayors state that they understand the importance of protecting the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness, but they also emphasize the need to balance this with the safety and well-being of their communities. They argue that the current approach to encampments, which allows them to remain in public spaces, is not sustainable and is causing harm to both the individuals living in the encampments and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The mayors are specifically calling for the use of the notwithstanding clause, which would allow the provincial government to override certain sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This would give the government the power to enforce bylaws and remove encampments from public spaces, even if it goes against the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The mayors also point out that the use of the notwithstanding clause is not unprecedented, as it has been used in the past by both Liberal and Conservative governments in Ontario. They believe that it is necessary in this situation to address the growing issue of encampments and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
Premier Ford has yet to respond to the letter from the mayors, but his office has stated that they are aware of the concerns and are working on finding a solution. In the meantime, the mayors are urging the provincial government to take action and use the notwithstanding clause to address the issue of encampments.
This call to action from the mayors highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for a swift and effective solution. As the debate over encampments continues, it is clear that the mayors are committed to finding a balance between protecting the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness and maintaining the safety and well-being of their communities.
