The Decibel Doug Ford’s plan to dismantle homeless encampments
Dec 10, 2024
Jeff Gray, a seasoned journalist covering Ontario politics for The Globe and Mail, joins to discuss Premier Doug Ford's controversial plan to dismantle homeless encampments. He explores the government's proposed legislation allowing police to arrest individuals refusing to leave these camps. There's a deep dive into the implications of invoking the notwithstanding clause, sparking debate over legal rights versus public safety. Gray also highlights the challenges mayors face in balancing mental health support against the backdrop of rising homelessness.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Homelessness Crisis in Ontario
- Mayors in Ontario are struggling with a growing homelessness crisis, linked to opioid addiction and a lack of housing.
- This has become a major problem across communities of all sizes, prompting calls for enhanced powers to address encampments.
Disagreement on Notwithstanding Clause
- While mayors want more funding for shelters and enhanced powers to break up encampments, they disagree on using the notwithstanding clause.
- Mayors of larger cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Mississauga, are hesitant to suspend constitutional rights to address the issue.
Ford's Response and Planned Legislation
- Doug Ford plans to introduce legislation enhancing police powers regarding encampments, including laws against public drug use and repetitive trespass.
- Ford is willing to use the notwithstanding clause if courts challenge the legislation, but not preemptively.