Jessica Bell MPP, University–Rosedale

Government of Ontario

Doug Ford should fix the homelessness crisis, not attack the poor

Published on September 25, 2024

On Monday, September 23 2024, Premier Doug Ford made harmful comments about Ontario's underhoused and homeless. 

We're organizing to tell Premier Ford that homelessness is being driven by his policy failures, not our personal ones. 

The Conservative government has failed to address the critical need for affordable housing, building just over 1,000 homes in six years, when Ontario needs 25,000 homes annually. They have also made it harder for people to find and keep affordable homes by weakening rent control and tenant protections.

At the same time, Ontario is facing an affordability crisis. Over one million Ontarians visited a food bank last year, many of them workers. Yet the Doug Ford has refused to raise the minimum wage or social assistance rates, leaving many unable to afford basic needs like rent.

Instead of attacking the poor, Premier Ford should focus on addressing Ontario’s homelessness crisis. This should begin by matching federal government funding to tackle homelessness and encampments, building 250,000 affordable homes, alongside meaningful investments in services that support people in need.

Add your name below to tell Premier Ford, the Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing Paul Calandra and your Member of Provincial Parliament that it's time to act and end homelessness now!

A printable petition is available here: DOWNLOAD