Dozens of community members gathered outside MPP David Piccini’s office in Port Hope today to protest Ontario’s proposed Safer Municipalities Act, known as Bill 6.
Demonstrators say the bill, which would expand police powers and increase fines for public drug use and camping in public spaces, unfairly targets people experiencing homelessness.
Reverend Neil Ellis says the bill sweeps the people under the rug.
Opponents of the legislation say the province is doubling down on enforcement instead of tackling root causes like unaffordable housing, low social assistance rates, and lack of mental health and addiction services.
According to Ellis, the current economy situation and trade issues could lead to job losses and it’s worrying.
Bill 6 would give police broader authority to move people out of public parks and other shared spaces, and ban the use of illegal drugs in those areas – including inside tents.
Ellis says he hopes the government will hit the pause button on the legislation.
Northumberland, like many Ontario communities, is seeing rising rates of chronic homelessness. Local advocates point to factors such as high rental costs, lack of shelter space, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, Northumberland County has said solving homelessness requires a community approach and long-term support from all levels of government.
A former Brookside resident shared his thoughts on the bill.
One of his big concerns is, if someone is convicted under the new act, they would have a criminal record which would make it even harder to gain employment and secure housing.
Rally organizers are demanding that the Ford government withdraw Bill 6 and instead focus on investing in housing, health care, and poverty reduction programs.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
