The Ontario Government has lost a supporter for the idea of using the notwithstanding clause to clear out homeless encampments.
Chatham-Kent's council met on Monday where it approved a motion from Councillor Rhonda Jubenville condemning the province's planned use of the measure which would allow it to bypass any court ruling.
Among those who supported the motion was Mayor Darrin Canniff. Back in October, he was one of 13 Ontario mayors who asked the province to use the clause to help communities better manage the growing number of encampments.
He explained he supported the use as a last ditch effort, however, the entire situation around the clause has become a distraction.
"I'm totally frustrated with the lack of resources that we have been given. When I look at moving forward, I don't want this distraction... it's not worth standing up to the notwithstanding clause for that little piece," he said.
Canniff was one of 13 council members who supported the motion. Councillors Anthony Ceccacci and Amy Finn were not in attendance while Councillors Lauren Anderson, Jamie McGrail, and Trevor Thompson did not vote.
Jubenville told CK News Today she was happy Canniff reconsidered his stance.
"I didn't agree with him but I did understand why he did do it and I'm glad he decided to change his mind," she added.
Jubenville was just as glad that the rest of council agreed as it can be hard to find an issue everyone has the same views on.
"You might have some Liberals, some NDPs, some Conservatives, some Libertarians around that horseshoe but it was nice to see that everyone, maybe for their own different reasons, all felt the same and we all aligned on the issue," she explained.
Meanwhile, multiple members of CK's council took time during Monday's meeting to call out the province for the little help being offered.
Last week, the provincial government did announce over $75 million would be allocated to help communities combat the rising number of people experiencing homelessness. However, some questioned how much this will actually help.
"Toronto is probably spending more than that just on their issues," said Canniff.
He mentioned the municipality's recently approved tax increase is higher than it should be because extra funding is needed to deal with the homeless crisis, something the province is responsible for.