A coalition of municipal leaders from across Ontario, including one from Chatham-Kent, has formed a new group to advocate for the rights of those affected by homelessness.
The Ontario Coalition for the Rights of Homeless People (OCRHP) has launched a campaign as part of the 2025 Ontario election to ensure the next provincial government, no matter the party, prioritizes providing a home for everyone who needs one.
CK Councillor and OCRHP Steering Committee Member Alysson Storey said the coalition’s campaign will focus on asking MPP candidates from across Ontario to commit to building housing, upholding homeless people’s human rights, and having a clear, compassionate plan to reduce homelessness.
“We want the incoming government to respect the rights of homeless people and adopt a housing-first approach,” she said. “That means providing safe and secure housing and wraparound treatments for substance abuse, addictions and mental health.
“It’s really important to remind them of their obligations to make sure that every citizen in Ontario has a safe and secure roof over their head,” Storey added.
Late last year, the Ford government promised to use enhanced legislative powers to increase capacity in homeless shelters and dismantle homeless encampments. Ford also said his government was “fully prepared” to use the Notwithstanding Clause should the courts strike down provincial legislation to meet those goals.
“That raised some understandable concerns with folks from across the province, including multiple councillors and elected officials from different municipalities, including Chatham-Kent,” said Storey.
The OCRHP said it will be campaigning to pressure the next elected government to explicitly condemn the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to remove homeless people’s Charter-protected rights.
“These people are our friends and neighbours, our family members, perhaps even our coworkers. This is not something that’s happening somewhere else, it’s happening right here in Chatham-Kent,” said Storey.
According to the coalition, the current provincial government has built the least amount of new detached housing in 70 years, resulting in the current homelessness crisis in Ontario.
