Jim Diodati wants province to use Notwithstanding clause, says what's being done now is not working
Niagara Falls Mayor says it's time for some "tough love" when dealing with homeless camps.
Jim Diodati has city council's support, in asking the province to use the notwithstanding clause to move camps away from schools, homes and parks.
He adds offering support to the homeless, with many refusing, is not working. "Because unfortunately sometimes, when you're dealing with mental health issues, and you're under the influence of drugs, you're not able to make good decisions. And, unfortunately that's the situation we're in, it's an endless loop, it's not getting any better."
He adds every homeless person in Niagara Falls has been offered shelter, as there is room.
Provincial judges have ordered homeless camps cannot be removed until there is a place to send them. Using the "notwithstanding clause" enables authorities to override certain Charter rights in taking action.
Diodati says, though, it's easy for judges to rule that if it's not happening in their own back yard. "Until that happens, sometimes we don't realize what's actually going on. And the city is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, cleaning up encampments, where they've been defecating, urinating, there's needles, theft, prostitution."
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