Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he would permit police and judges to have more authority to dismantle tent cities, if elected.
According to Poilievre, a Conservative government would amend the Criminal Code to allow police to lay charges against people who violate the right to safety in public spaces, known as the Safe Streets and Communities Act.
“No more excuses by politicians, claiming they don’t have the powers, the powers will be right there in the Criminal Code,” said Poilievre in Hamilton, Ont. Wednesday.
“No more paralysis from politically correct Liberal politicians who are too afraid to take action.”
This would allow for authorities to dismantle illegal encampments while also providing those inhabiting them with necessary housing and mental health treatment.
“Public spaces must be safe for everyone. We will take back our streets and restore order in our communities,” said Poilievre. “We will give people that are currently trapped in these awful circumstances a pathway to a better life.”
Tent encampments have exploded across Canada in recent years, which rapidly devolve into hotbeds for drug abuse and violent crime.
“From out of the shadows they will come into the light and enjoy the Canadian dream, the Canadian promise,” he said. “No more excuses by politicians, claiming they don’t have the powers, the powers will be right there in the criminal code.”
Poilievre said under his leadership, the federal government would adopt a housing-first approach to help people get off the streets, who are often battling with opioid addiction, and into housing.
Poilievre had previously promised to shut down so-called safe supply sites across Canada, endorsing mandatory drug treatment for those struggling with addiction.
He has also vowed to sue opioid companies, which he believes bear much of the responsibility for Canada’s drug crisis in the first place.
“We will provide addiction treatment to 50,000 Canadians,” said Poilievre, pledging to offer mental health supports and job training so that “police can connect with the people in these camps to get the care and the housing they need.”
Poilievre’s platform would, “where appropriate,” allow the occupants of these encampments to face criminal charges, while empowering judges to offer them simple possession charges as long as they opt to enter an addiction treatment program.
“We’re here to give people a way out,” Poilievre told the crowd in Hamilton.
His announcement comes after being endorsed by the Toronto Police Association, the country’s largest municipal police union, representing around 8,000 uniformed and civilian members.
“We asked the leading contenders for prime minister for their position on the policing and public safety issues that matter the most to our members and the communities we serve,” the union stated. “It is clear to us there is only one Party that has maintained a strong position on public safety issues and proactively supported police services.”