Bill 6, the Safer Municipalities Act, doubles down on expensive and failed policies to address encampments that will cost taxpayers more, without any meaningful impact to address the growing and persistent unhoused and unsheltered population.
We all want safe, accessible parks that families can enjoy, but this Bill does not accomplish that. The government’s plan only moves people from park to park while housing falls further out of reach.
We cannot arrest our way out of a homelessness and addictions crisis. This is a health care issue, and we need to lead with evidence and empathy to find solutions that make our communities safer. Instead of taking responsibility for the crisis that has exploded under their watch, the government wants to double down on expensive failed policies that will cost taxpayers more while making things worse.
We know that the best way to end encampments is to create new supportive housing units. This allows people living in encampments or the shelter system to move into a safe, permanent affordable home, while connecting them to mental healthcare, addiction treatment and other ongoing supports. Encampment residents are rights-bearers and must be centered in discussions on how to move forward. This requires a human rights-based approach with concrete solutions.
As the Shadow Minister for Housing, I pushed the government not to pass this bill, and instead to invest properly in deeply affordable housing and supportive housing, so that people currently living in encampments have a safe place to live. If you agree, sign our petition here.
Watch my comments on Bill 6 here: