Doug Ford Proposes Tougher Laws to Address Homeless Encampments in Ontario

The Ontario Premier plans new legislation to dismantle encampments, ban public drug use, and increase penalties, with a willingness to use the notwithstanding clause if courts intervene.

Premier Doug Ford announced forthcoming legislation to empower municipalities and police to clear homeless encampments and prohibit public drug use.
The proposed measures include enhanced penalties for repeat trespassers, increased funding for shelters, and new addiction recovery initiatives focused on treatment over incarceration.
Ford has pledged nearly $700 million annually for homelessness prevention and an additional $378 million for addiction recovery hubs, adding supportive housing units and treatment beds.
The Premier stated he is prepared to invoke the notwithstanding clause if courts block the legislation, though he does not anticipate using it preemptively.
Critics argue the measures fail to address the root causes of homelessness, such as insufficient shelter capacity and affordable housing, while advocates warn of potential harm from shifting away from harm reduction strategies.