Faced with the growing number of homeless encampments in Ontario cities, Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre has joined other big city mayors in calling on the province to support them as they attempt to ban camps.

The move comes after Prime Minister Doug Ford this week mentioned the use of the Canadian Constitution’s notwithstanding clause, which allows provinces to override the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Ford mentioned the use of the clause during a unrelated press conference Monday.

“Why not insert ‘use the escape clause’ or something like that?” said the Prime Minister. “Let’s see if (the mayors) have the courage to do it.”

That challenge was met Thursday when the mayors of 13 of the province’s largest cities sent an open letter to Ford, formally asking to use the clause if necessary to pass laws banning homeless encampments.

“The provincial government is invited to become an intervener in any court case that restricts the ability of municipalities to regulate and prohibit encampments, upholding the principle approved by the United States Supreme Court…that courts should not dictate the homeless policy,” the letter states. .

It also calls on the province to pass laws making repeated trespassing a criminal offense punishable by jail time, and clear rules prohibiting public drug use “in the same way as open alcohol consumption.”

In response to a request for comment, Lefebvre sent CTV News a statement saying he recognized “the profound struggles that people facing homelessness, mental health issues and addiction endure every day.” .

“In joining my colleagues in sending this letter, I recognize the seriousness of invoking measures like the notwithstanding clause, a step we do not take lightly,” he said.

“However, the realities presenting themselves across Ontario demand rapid and decisive action, requiring the full range of tools available to address them in an effective and compassionate manner.”

Lefebvre said there needs to be a way to force people in crisis to seek treatment, “even if involuntarily, when their safety and well-being are threatened.”

“This is a human crisis that requires urgent action and a key issue that the health system must address,” the statement said.

“I stand in solidarity with my fellow mayors across Ontario and urge the provincial government to take decisive action on the critical issues of mental health, addiction and homelessness, issues that impact the safety and well-being of our entire community.

Recent winter conditions are making life outside even more difficult for more than 200 people living in city encampments. (Alana Everson/CTV News)

The full text of Mayor Paul Lefebvre’s statement:

Mayor’s Statement on Joint Letter to Premier Ford

As Mayor of Greater Sudbury, I recognize the profound struggles that people experiencing homelessness, mental health and addictions experience every day. These are not problems that can be easily solved, nor can they be ignored. I have heard from countless families feeling helpless, grappling with the heartbreaking reality of watching their loved ones struggle with serious mental health issues and debilitating addictions.

The current system is not equipped to meet the growing need for comprehensive treatment options, especially for people facing severe and chronic addiction who refuse intervention. We must ensure that people struggling with mental illness or addiction have access to the support they need when they need it. Data on the local opioid crisis shows the situation is getting worse and people continue to die at an alarming rate.

There must be a way to get individuals into supportive treatment and rehabilitation programs, even involuntarily, when their safety and well-being are threatened. This is a human crisis that requires urgent action and a key issue that the health system must address.

In joining my colleagues in sending this letter, I recognize the seriousness of using measures like the notwithstanding clause, a measure we do not take lightly. However, the realities occurring across Ontario demand rapid and decisive action, requiring the full range of tools available to address them in an effective and compassionate manner.

It is about protecting the lives of vulnerable people and ensuring their safety and dignity. Expanding these essential services will not only relieve pressure on families left without options, but will also reduce pressure on our emergency response systems, hospitals, police departments and court systems. We need a proactive approach focused on long-term rehabilitation, care and recovery.

Here in Greater Sudbury, we have made significant progress. Through dedicated efforts to support those who are ready to accept intervention, we have been able to provide supportive transitional housing to those in need and provide essential wraparound services. This includes access to mental health care, substance abuse services, and other critical resources that help people rebuild their lives.

We have shown that while these issues are complex, with the right partnerships and resources, real change is possible. We cannot abandon those who have refused to intervene until now.

I stand in solidarity with my fellow mayors across Ontario and urge the provincial government to take decisive action on the critical issues of mental health, addiction and homelessness, issues that impact the safety and well-being of the community. our entire community.