Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff is one of 13 Ontario mayors asking Premier Doug Ford to provide municipalities with the authority to clear homeless encampments.

Dated Oct. 31, the mayors say, “We have heard your invitation for a clear request for provincial action to help municipalities with issues related to mental health, addiction and homeless encampments.”

The letter asks that the province use the Notwithstanding Clause to have the provincial government “become an intervenor on any court case that restricts the ability of municipalities to regulate and prohibit encampments,” referencing a U.S. Supreme Court-endorsed principle that courts should not dictate homelessness policies.

The mayors also ask the province to “strengthen the existing system of mandatory community-based and residential mental health care and to expand service to treat those who have severe and debilitating addictions.

“The Provincial Government is requested to implement a Drug and Diversion Court system throughout the entire province and ensure the necessary resources to allow a meaningful focus on rehabilitation as opposed to incarceration.”

Additionally, the mayors are asking the province to tighten up the Trespass to Property Act to include a separate provision for repeated trespassing, with a penalty to include jail time.

And, the mayors also want the province to “enact legislation providing clear guidance regarding the open........

© Sarnia Observer