SDC is encouraged that a growing group of local Councillors is voicing their opposition to the 15 Ontario mayors requesting the use of the notwithstanding clause, a powerful constitutional tool that can override the Charter-protected rights of unhoused community members living in encampments – and we call on all elected officials in Waterloo Region to join this principled action.
Read media release | See how you can help
Strong and vocal opposition is needed to stop the brutalization of residents living in encampments under the guise of addressing homelessness. Community members who wish to help can:
- Join the Homes, Not Handcuffs campaign, started by the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) and promoted locally by Supportive Housing Advocacy Waterloo Region (SHAWR), to urge your mayor and City/Township councillors to stand in opposition to the 15 big city mayors seeking the use of the notwithstanding clause to clear encampments.
- Sign this petition, started by Toronto-based crisis worker Diana Chan McNally, to add your voice to the chorus of over 5,000 concerned citizens.
Click here to read our full media release.