Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is firmly rejecting a proposal from the provincial government to use legislative measures to address the contentious issue of homeless encampments within the city.
Premier Doug Ford has reported that numerous mayors, including those from Brampton, Barrie, Oakville, Oshawa, and Windsor, have collectively urged him to utilize the notwithstanding clause in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to bypass a recent 2023 ruling by the Ontario Superior Court, which concluded that dismantling encampments infringes upon the fundamental rights of their inhabitants. However, Chow has not joined this coalition of mayors advocating for provincial intervention.
In a compelling public address on Thursday, Chow, supported by a coalition of faith leaders, was actively encouraging Torontonians to embrace the establishment of new homeless shelters while firmly denouncing the use of force as a solution to the complex issue of homelessness.
“It’s easy to be overcome by fear but don’t let that take over. We as Torontonians are better than that,” Chow urged, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in facing the city’s homelessness crisis.
Chow’s appeal arises as city officials are presently identifying potential sites for the development of new shelters. One location gaining attention, as revealed by CityNews, is set in Scarborough, specifically along Gerrard Street East, raising concerns among community members.
Local councillor Parthi Kandavel, initially supportive of the shelter motion, has since expressed his opposition to that specific site; residents of the area have already mobilized to protest against the proposed 80-bed shelter from being established in their neighborhood.
The mayor asserts that if force is applied to disband encampments, individuals will simply relocate, creating a cycle of displacement rather than offering real solutions.
“We evict people from camps, they go to a ravine. You go to a ravine, if you move them they go to a park. You take them out of a park they go into the TTC subway system,” explained Chow, highlighting the futility of forceful measures.
Earlier this year, the City of Toronto adopted a “people-first, human rights-based approach” aimed at effectively connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with shelters, essential services, and stable housing options following a Toronto ombudsperson investigation that uncovered “significant unfairness” in the governmental handling of encampments in 2021.
**Interview with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow on Homeless Encampments**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Mayor Chow. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. There has been considerable discussion around the provincial government’s proposal to use legislative measures to address homeless encampments. Can you explain your position on this issue?
**Olivia Chow:** Thank you for having me. My position is very clear: I firmly reject the notion of using the notwithstanding clause to bypass the rights of vulnerable individuals living in encampments. We must prioritize compassion and understanding rather than resorting to forceful measures, which only worsen the situation.
**Interviewer:** Premier Doug Ford mentioned that several mayors are advocating for this approach. Why do you believe it’s crucial for Toronto to take a different stance?
**Olivia Chow:** Each city has unique challenges, and I believe Toronto should chart its own course. We cannot ignore the Ontario Superior Court’s recent ruling that highlighted the rights of those in encampments. Instead of dismantling their homes, we should focus on solutions that respect dignity and provide safe, supportive environments.
**Interviewer:** You’ve been vocal about encouraging the establishment of new homeless shelters. Can you elaborate on this strategy and how it differs from the provincial approach?
**Olivia Chow:** Absolutely. The priority must be on creating safe and accessible spaces for those in need. By expanding our shelter system and working closely with communities and faith leaders, we can provide real, supportive options that allow individuals to rebuild their lives without fear of eviction. This approach fosters collaboration rather than conflict.
**Interviewer:** In your recent address, you spoke about overcoming fear in the community. Could you share more about that message?
**Olivia Chow:** Yes, it’s essential to recognize that fear can paralyze us from taking the right actions. While the challenges surrounding homelessness are daunting, we must confront them with compassion and solidarity. Inviting community engagement and encouraging the public to stand with those affected is crucial in creating a just and equitable society.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mayor Chow. As this issue continues to evolve, what message do you want to convey to Torontonians?
**Olivia Chow:** I want to remind Torontonians that compassion should guide our actions. Together, we can create a community where everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is treated with dignity and respect. Our city’s strength lies in our unity and commitment to support one another. Thank you.
