TORONTO – The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is intervening in a case challenging a new Waterloo by-law that would allow the eviction of encampment residents.
A previous court ruling found that when no adequate alternatives exist, people have a Charter right to occupy public space and build shelter to protect themselves. The Region of Waterloo is now seeking to have its new site-specific by-law declared constitutional.
The Waterloo Regional Community Legal Clinic secured a temporary injunction to halt enforcement of the by-law until the court can decide its constitutionality at a hearing in November. The CCLA welcomes this decision, which prevents serious harm to encampment residents in the meantime.
The CCLA in intervening in this case to ensure that the fundamental rights of encampment residents is respected and protected.
“Municipalities must take a human rights approach to encampments that respects the dignity and autonomy of residents,” said Harini Sivalingam, Director of the CCLA’s Equality Program.
CCLA is grateful for the excellent pro bono representation in this matter by Kristen Allen, and Simone Truemner-Caron from Ursel Phillips Fellows Hopkinson LLP.
About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.
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