Ford’s anti-encampments bill won’t solve the housing crisis

December 9, 2024

QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Greens Deputy Leader and MPP for Kitchener Centre Aislinn Clancy released the following statement in response to news that the Ford government will table legislation focused on dismantling homeless encampments and strengthening enforcement against public drug use.

“If the Premier wants to end homelessness, there are so many steps he could take today – like investing in deeply affordable and supportive housing, cracking down on illegal evictions or raising social assistance rates so people with disabilities don’t have to live in legislated poverty.

Instead, this government wants to tear down encampments when folks have nowhere else to go. It hasn’t worked in the past, and it’s not going to work now.

This week’s Auditor General’s report revealed that the Ford government’s decision to shut down CTS sites was made without proper planning or public consultation. If the Premier wants to reduce public drug use, maybe he should have taken the time to consult with the experts who are unequivocal that CTS sites keep drug poisonings off of our streets and out of our ERs.

Yesterday, I joined CTS advocates calling for a value-for-money audit into the CTS closures. Greens will continue fighting for investments in housing, harm reduction and addictions care that make it possible for everyone to get the help they need when and where they need it.”

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