Editor: I recently read an article in The Chatham Voice stating our Mayor Canniff wrote a letter to the province requesting he be permitted to invoke the notwithstanding clause (“Canniff defends notwithstanding request,” in the Nov. 14 Chatham Voice).
This would take away an individual’s personal rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Mainly those in homeless encampments.
The right to shelter is one of our rights. Nowhere does it state what type of shelter. Those people are living in tents – cold, wet and are struggling each day. They are living without some of the basic things we take for granted every single day.
This is not because of addictions or poor choices; many are homeless just because the rising cost of rent has made it difficult for many to afford a place to live.
Our mayor seems to be power hungry. Recently he was given Strong Mayor Powers which were implemented to address Ontario’s housing supply crisis.
The powers let mayors pass housing-related bylaws with the support of only one-third of councilors, override council approval of zoning and other bylaws impeding construction of new homes.
So, with his new powers, what has he done to aid the homeless or those struggling with high rent costs resulting in food insecurity?
The mayor’s action is to appeal to the province to get more power to displace our homeless already struggling. Wow, maybe the mayor will open up his door to house a few displaced people. Better yet, find them jobs and a place to live at a discount to get them off the street. After all, he has all this power.
People, those living in the encampment are not just anyone, they are our fellow citizens; somebody’s child, brother, sister and friend. One day if the cost of utilities, rent and food keeps increasing, that could even be you.
Shame on us if we allow people to be treated worse than we treat our stray pets in this city. How can we sit by and say nothing?
Shame on our mayor for thinking this is a solution.
Kimberley Poirier
Chatham-Kent
