Premier Doug Ford says new legislative powers will be given to municipalities to help them clear encampments.
This comes as a response to a letter from 13 Ontario mayors asking the province to use the notwithstanding clause to help them dismantle homeless encampments.
In a letter posted on social media this week, Ford said the legislative powers will protect public safety and end public disorder.
"I am confident that the legislative authorities the province is preparing are common sense, practical, and entirely aligned with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, especially for the law-abiding residents who simply want to enjoy the benefits of their local public spaces," said Ford in the letter. "For that reason, I do not expect the legislation will need to proactively invoke Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms."
He also stated he'll have no problem using the notwithstanding clause if the courts interfere with the new legislation.
"Our government is fully prepared to use the notwithstanding clause. This includes the province becoming an intervenor in any court case that restricts the ability of municipalities to regulate and prohibit encampments, so long as the approach you pursue is aligned with provincial best practices," said Ford.
The new legislation will include funding for increased capacity in the shelter system and new accountability measures to ensure that the funds support the dismantling of encampments.
The legislation will also give police new authorities to help enforce the prohibition of using illicit drugs in public spaces.
The letter does not outline how soon the province will introduce the new legislation.
