NOTE: THIS ARTICLE IS A CORRESPONDENCE PIECE INCLUDED IN THE SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA.
TORONTO – There is a humanitarian crisis happening on our streets. An unprecedented number of Ontarians are homeless, living in encampments and other unsafe spaces, and too many are dying from addictions and mental health issues. Municipalities have done everything we can, but we don’t have the resources or expertise to take this on alone. That is why today Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) are launching our ‘Solve the Crisis’ campaign.
Together with various community partners, municipalities have been tackling this issue head on, funding various programs and spaces to find solutions. Despite the success of many of these programs, the crisis continues to grow and municipalities need help.
Over the last few years OBCM has requested that the federal and provincial governments address this crisis as it unfolds on our streets, affecting our downtowns, impacting our public spaces, and hurting our most vulnerable residents. The federal and provincial governments have taken some action on this issue, including Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness, the creation of the Homelessness Prevention Program and investments in youth wellness hubs. But it’s just not enough. This issue spans multiple ministries and we need someone to take the lead and take action now.
We want to ‘Solve the Crisis’ together, today we are requesting that the provincial government:
● Appoint a responsible ministry and Minister with the appropriate funding and powers as a single point of contact to address the full spectrum of housing needs as well as mental health, addictions and wrap around supports.
● Have this Minister strike a task force with broad sector representatives including municipalities, healthcare, first responders, community services, the business community and the tourism industry to develop a Made in Ontario Action Plan.
● Provide municipalities with the tools and resources to transition those in encampments to more appropriate supports, when deemed necessary
● Commit to funding the appropriate services these individuals need, community by community where there are gaps in the system.
● Invest in 24/7 Community Hubs / Crisis Centres to relieve pressure on emergency centres and first responders
We are asking for all Ontarians to join our call by visiting www.solvethecrisis.ca and show their support by signing up and contacting your local MPP to tell them that you want the province to take action now. Together we can do this, but we need your help. To watch our video please visit our YouTube channel here – https://youtu.be/6VRjoEgQm98