CCLA Reacts to City of Kingston Closure of Belle Park Encampment

TORONTO —  Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, made the following statement:

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is shocked by the actions taken by the City of Kingston to close the Belle Park encampment site in direct contradiction of an earlier court decision.

Less than a year ago, Justice Carter of the Ontario Superior declared the City By-Laws that prohibit overnight sheltering to be unconstitutional.

The City of Kingston is trying to by-pass the decision of the court though this temporary closure.

The closure of the Belle Park encampment is unconstitutional and unlawful.

This closure will harm the most vulnerable members of society in Kingston and is shameful.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association will continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of all of us in Canada, including those of unhoused encampment residents.

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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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