The proposed legislation by the Ford administration to dismantle homeless camps in city centers and strengthen police authority over public drug use isn’t expected to be tabled until the week’s end. The law isn’t anticipated to come into effect until some point in the new year.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford unveiled a legislative plan on Thursday, focused on eradicating homeless camps, providing additional funds for local governments to temporarily shelter individuals, and establishing a new framework for apprehending those engaged in public drug usage.
The proposed legislation isn’t expected to utilize the contentious notwithstanding clause to circumvent Charter rights when initially tabled, according to the Premier. However, the government has hinted that this might change if the proposal faces opposition.
The legislation doesn’t appear to be implemented for months, with no current plans to pass it into law before politicians take a two-month hiatus from debate. The Premier’s office confirmed on Monday that the suggested legislation is scheduled to be tabled on Thursday when MPPs adjourn for the holidays, meaning it won’t be debated or passed into law until at least the new year.
The government has been scant on details about the proposed law. In his announcement, Ford promised that the plan would align local housing service managers more closely with government priorities and pledged more funding. It will also introduce new legal terminology banning public drug use and creating new offenses for those who “persistently and intentionally flout the law.”
It’s uncertain how much additional funding will be made available or what will transpire in cities where mayors are against more aggressive plans to remove camps from parks. The government has suggested they will take a proactive approach with municipalities that don’t align with its direction.
Critics argue that the legislation hasn’t been tabled, making it impossible to scrutinize for details. Opposition leaders have expressed concerns, with Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles stating the government’s proposal is insufficient and overdue, while Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie emphasized the need for a short-term emergency plan to manage individuals displaced by encampment removals.
The legislature is set to adjourn on Thursday, and there’s currently no scheduled return date until Feb. 18, indicating that the legislation is unlikely to be passed until at least late February. The article’s purpose should not be for investment, but to inform those interested in the matter.
