Similar protests will happen in Toronto, Ottawa, and Port Hope.
A protest took place this afternoon in Kingston’s Confederation Park as part of a province-wide pushback against Ontario’s proposed Bill 6, the Safer Communities Act.
Advocates say the legislation will criminalize homelessness by giving police more power to remove people from public spaces if they’re suspected of drug use. Penalties could include eviction, fines up to $10,000, or even jail.
Groups like the Kingston Encampment Support Network say the bill targets vulnerable people without solving the root causes of homelessness. They’re calling for more supportive housing, mental health care, and addiction treatment instead of stricter laws.
Similar protests will happen in Toronto, Ottawa, and Port Hope.
Organizers also warn the bill will worsen conditions for already marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous people, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
They want the province to withdraw the bill and invest in long-term, people-focused solutions.
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