Ford would rather fight the courts than solve homelessness

June 17, 2026

KITCHENER — Clancy released the following statement in response to the Ford government appealing the court decision on the Victoria Street encampment.

”Since Doug Ford came into office, homelessness has surged more than 50 per cent. It’s time for the Premier to take responsibility for this crisis and step up with evidence-based solutions.

That means making meaningful investments in housing. Safe, stable, affordable housing. 

People are living in encampments because they have nowhere else to go. The court’s ruling only required that if the government were to evict people from this encampment that it first give them somewhere to go. 

But instead, Doug Ford is wasting time and taxpayer dollars fighting the court’s decision.

Meanwhile, he’s spending $4 billion on new jail beds, compared to just $53 million on supportive housing. And he’s making it easier to evict people from their homes while criminalizing homelessness.

We know that it’s far cheaper to house people rather than throw them in jail. But Doug Ford doesn’t care. 

If he continues down this path, the number of people experiencing homelessness is expected to grow from 85,000 to 300,000 by 2035.

The Ford government has the power to reverse this crisis and solve homelessness. 

I’m calling on the Premier to lead with evidence and compassion. To cancel this appeal. And to listen to the experts, courts and municipalities across the province that are calling for real investments in supportive housing and mental health and addiction supports.”

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