Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness calls for a housing-focused approach to encampments
For Immediate Release
CALGARY, Alberta – The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness has launched a new campaign, “Homes not Handcuffs” to stand against Ontario mayors’ call for Premier Ford to use the notwithstanding clause and other provincial measures, to give municipalities the power to override basic human rights to displace and potentially arrest people forced to live in encampments.
“We all want a solution to encampments and homelessness. Nobody should live in a tent. Public spaces are not meant to house people—we want people living in homes and kids playing in the parks,” explains Tim Richter, CEO & President of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness. “But sending in police to take down encampments and jail people experiencing homelessness is not only expensive and ineffective, it’s cruel and potentially deadly.”
The “Homes Not Handcuffs” campaign underscores that homelessness is a housing problem that requires a housing solution. Enforcement, arrest, forced treatment, or just ‘moving the homeless along’ are not proven to be long-lasting, effective approaches.
“In natural disasters, like fires or floods, where we see large-scale loss of housing, cities respond quickly by protecting people from the emergency and helping them move quickly back into their homes. When getting back home takes time, temporary housing is provided. Police don’t arrest people because their home burnt down,” says Richter.
Richter continues, “Faced with any other disaster, we trust governments to respond quickly and compassionately with accommodation that meets their needs. Homelessness is like any other disaster —and should be dealt with accordingly. Cities have lots of options to resolve encampments that don’t require trampling human rights and hurting people.”
On October 31, thirteen mayors called on Premier Ford to use his available power to help them tackle growing encampments in their communities. Their request includes using the notwithstanding clause to override Charter-provided rights, allowing municipalities to send police in to dismantle encampments, incarcerate people experiencing homelessness, and forced treatment. These measures are not only a violation of Charter-protected rights in Canada but have been proven to be expensive, ineffective, and dangerous.
To date, the campaign has seen almost 1,000 people across Ontario send letters to their mayor and city councillors. More opportunities for individual community members and organizations to raise their voices will be provided over the coming weeks.
For more information visit, www.HomesNotHandcuffs.ca