Forty-one municipal councillors throughout Ontario have come collectively to talk out in opposition to the potential use of the however clause to clear homeless encampments.
The however clause, also referred to as Part 33 of the Constitution of Rights and Freedoms, offers provincial legislatures or parliament the flexibility to override sure parts of the Constitution for not more than 5 years.
Lately, 15 mayors despatched a letter to Premier Doug Ford asking him to think about using the however clause to allow the removing of encampments although it might violate the rights of individuals residing unhoused.
London Mayor Josh Morgan didn’t signal the letter.
On Monday morning, a coalition of 41 councillors from 23 communities revealed their very own letter, calling for “evidence-based solutions to the humanitarian crisis of homelessness and encampments in Ontario.”
London Councillors Hadleigh McAlister, David Ferreira, Skylar Franke, and Sam Trosow signed the letter, asking the mayors to rescind their request.
“This is a solvable problem without having to change constitutional rights,” defined Trosow, a Legislation Professor Emeritus at Western College. “It’s just a question of political will to provide the funding that’s necessary to get people out of encampments in a way that is in compliance with our Human Rights obligations.”
reached out to the premier’s workplace in regards to the newly shaped coalition in opposition to use of the however clause.
“We have been clear that we will explore every legal tool available to the province to clear encampments and restore safety to public spaces. While cities remain at the forefront of issues relating to municipally owned lands, we are examining which additional tools the province can provide to help municipalities effectively manage these ongoing challenges,” a spokesperson stated in an announcement.
The provincial authorities additionally made observe of its funding of over $3 billion over the following three years to be put in the direction of homelessness prevention, together with dependancy and restoration hubs.
