Three Niagara mayors support premier invoking notwithstanding clause to address homeless encampments

The homelessness epidemic is intensifying in both size and scope across the Niagara Region, as it is throughout Ontario and Canada. In response, homeless encampments have been erected to service vulnerable people’s needs, but in many cases, they are being constructed near neighbourhoods and schools.

Residents of various communities have been vocalizing serious concerns as they have witnessed dangerous and illegal activities taking place at these encampments, including human trafficking, the use of drugs, and the defecating of public property. The grave nature of this matter has Premier Doug Ford considering whether to invoke Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the notwithstanding clause, to provide law enforcement with additional tools and authority to break up encampments that are in inappropriate locations.