Evicting encampments does not solve homelessness. I wrote to Premier Ford Doug Ford to remind him of the province’s obligation to respect human rights and provide effective responses, echoing calls from civil society, municipal leaders and the public ⬇️

the solution to homelessness is housing for all. month in hospital: ~$30,000 month in prison: ~$12,000 month in shelter: ~$6,000 month in supportive housing: $4,000

Failure to build housing — Ontario is creating the least amount of new housing since 1955 — and a failure to create and protect good jobs. You want to know why the province is covered in encampments? Here's what Doug Ford doesn't want you to talk about. burlingtongazette.ca/13400-manufact…

Doug Ford seems eager to toss the Charter aside — again. Here’s what is most distressing about this time. Homeless shelters are full. They are in our parks because they literally have nowhere else to go. #Opinion trib.al/FIEgimg

“Only 12 per cent favoured “stronger law enforcement measures to clear encampments.” So Canadian. That’s why I love us! (Will the Premier listen?) thestar.com/politics/provi… via Toronto Star

Doug Ford is proposing a 'get tough' enforcement led response to encampments - an approach Ontarians do not support. In this Abacus Data poll, commissioned CAEH, Ontarians clearly support affordable housing over law enforcement. thestar.com/politics/provi…

As City of Orillia Council gears up to pass a motion against the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to remove homeless people's rights today, a new survey shows that 40% of Ontarians do not support the use of the clause, versus 12% who strongly support it. thestar.com/politics/provi…

I hope that other municipalities, including my home of #Barrie, will see the light on Ford's legislation & come around to opposing it. Municipal gov'ts are the last line of defense against a prov gov actively undermining poverty & harm reduction efforts. orilliamatters.com/local-news/cit…

"With involuntary treatment, the mayors propose to cure mental illness & addiction through a reduction in rights, offering treatment with a low likelihood of success, in non-existent facilities with imaginary staff." This actually is their ludicrous plan.thespec.com/opinion/contri…

Shocking nobody, here's Ford explicitly calling for homelessness to be made a crime. Never let anyone tell you that poverty is not criminalized in this country.

Indeed, the way to deal with housing issues is to build housing. Which Doug Ford has failed miserably at, despite it being his flagship issue. His "encampment plan" is all to distract from his housing record, which is producing the lowest number of housing starts since 1955.

A question for those who have been doing encampment outreach and advocacy longer than myself or those in my immediate circle: Has Doug Ford ever been seen in an encampment "help[ing] those people"?

Congratulations to Chatham Kent for rejecting the use of the Notwithstanding Clause!

The first step in ending homelessness is deciding to do it.

ER physicians at Barrie hospital plead for more shelter, warming spaces barrietoday.com/local-news/er-… via @barrietoday Unacceptable. Had temps in -20s. Mayer Nuttall signature was on the List to Ford to Remove the Homeless to nowhere. Alex Nuttall could not be reached for comment.

Some cities take people’s belongings — ignoring their own policies and court orders — and then fail to store them. Our reporting shows there are more effective and compassionate ways to deal with homeless encampments. propublica.org/article/homele…

Ontario‘s 2024 housing starts. Recall this was a key election issue two years and seven months ago when Ontario last went to the polls. #onpoli

Homeless in Ontario and want to vote in the upcoming provincial election? It isn't super easy, but I made you a one-page resource to help you to cast your ballot and make your voice heard! You can download and print a PDF copy here: drive.google.com/file/d/1lkIX_a…

This is embarrassing.

🧵This is interesting — a report from the City of Toronto 🇨🇦's Auditor General on warming centres will be reviewed by the Audit Committee on Feb. 12, and it could lead to some interesting changes to winter homelessness services. Let's take a look: secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda…