The Big Story

What should we do about homeless encampments?

Dec 13, 2024

Tim Richter, CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, dives deep into the complexities of dealing with homeless encampments in Canada. He critiques recent legislative moves in Ontario aimed at hastening evictions, arguing for a more humane Housing First approach. Richter highlights why many prefer living in encampments over shelters, citing safety and the need for reform. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable solutions like permanent housing, urging swift governmental action to address homelessness effectively.

24:21

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Tim Richter

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Quick takeaways

The Ontario government's proposed legislation to clear homeless encampments raises ethical concerns about displacing individuals without providing safe housing alternatives.

Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive strategy that improves the shelter system and tackles the root housing crisis exacerbated by economic factors.

Deep dives

Government Response to Homeless Encampments

The recent legislation proposed by the Ontario government aims to empower municipalities to clear homeless encampments more efficiently and reduce their liability in such actions. This is largely a reaction to public pressure, as many residents express discomfort with the visibility of tent cities in their communities. Cities like Vancouver and Halifax have taken differing approaches, from tolerating encampments for years to providing municipal services to them. Yet, this new legislation raises concerns about the ethical implications of evicting individuals without providing alternative housing options, which could simply displace the problem rather than resolve it.

Intro

5min

Navigating Homelessness and Public Policy

8min

Understanding the Choice Behind Homelessness

2min

Rethinking Canada's Shelter System

9min

Addressing Homelessness and Legislative Changes

2min

Over the past few years, homeless encampments have become a fixture in every major city across Canada. Governments of all stripes have been grappling with the best approach to dealing with them.

Is it best to clear out encampments, and push the people living there into the shelter system? Or is it better to take a hands off approach, and accommodate encampments as best as possible?

In the province of Ontario, the Ford Government has taken the drastic step of tabling legislation to give municipalities more power to evict people living on public land, and shield authorities from lawsuits afterwards.

Is that a step in the wrong direction?

Host David Smith speaks with Tim Richter, CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, about why governments are struggling to effectively deal with chronic homelessness.

Over the past few years, homeless encampments have become a fixture in every major city across Canada. Governments of all stripes have been grappling with the best approach to dealing with them.

Is it best to clear out encampments, and push the people living there into the shelter system? Or is it better to take a hands off approach, and accommodate encampments as best as possible?

Is that a step in the wrong direction?

Host David Smith speaks with Tim Richter, CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, about why governments are struggling to effectively deal with chronic homelessness.

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