Doug Ford’s Homelessness Policy: A Closer Look at Its Impact and Controversy

Doug Ford’s latest policy aims to dismantle homeless encampments and crack down on substance use, but critics argue it criminalizes vulnerable individuals instead of offering real support. This post explores the impact of Ford's approach and the urgent need for compassionate, housing-focused solutions.

Doug Ford’s homelessness policy has been developing over the last couple of years to completely remove homeless encampments in an attempt to crack down on substance abuse and addiction, instead of providing more support for those who require help. [1]

What is Doug Ford’s New Policy?

The new policy plans to provide more funding for homeless shelters and dismantle the various encampments that have developed across Ontario throughout the years to get a handle on the substance abuse that is prevalent throughout the camps.

Doug Ford’s execution of this pseudo-solution is quite debilitating and unhelpful for the individuals who are homeless or are struggling with addiction ,as it adds to the misconception that homelessness is an issue that can be solved quickly. With his new policy, Ford is attempting to tackle the increase in substance abuse by criminalising homeless individuals.

Who Does This Impact?

In 2024, the CBC has noted that various mayors around Ontario have asked Ford to intervine and “strengthen involuntary addiction treatment laws … and asked for trespass laws to be strengthened to allow for arrests and jail time for those who repeatedly trespass, as well as legislation to prohibit open drug use, similar to the ban on the open consumption of alcohol” [1].

The Need for More Housing Strategies

Ultimately, the issue does not lie within the encampments or the substance abuse of homeless people, but the stigma that surrounds substance abuse makes it seem like it is a more violent issue than it is. Ford must provide more support and more housing strategies for these individuals, rather than looking to arrest them for trespassing, as he should instead consider why they might be doing so. The provincial government must look more into how individual lives are being affected, rather than looking at the broad issue of homelessness.