Nova Scotia’s community law clinic is condemning the actions taken by the city on Wednesday to tear down temporary crisis shelters for the homeless.
Dalhousie Legal Aid Service says efforts to remove 40 people from those tents and structures on municipal property is a human rights violation.
They say both the evictions and the lack of community consult prior to police and municipal staff pushing out onto the streets are problematic.
Protesters clash with police after a woman is arrested on Spring Garden Road. Credit: Steve MacArthur
The scene quickly erupted into chaos as concerned citizens formed a human wall around the crisis shelters to try and save them at the old Halifax Public Library on Spring Garden Road.
A man even sat atop one of the buildings, trying to preserve the home for those who need it.
A protestor sits on the roof of the last remaining temporary crisis centre on Spring Garden Road. (Credit: Steve MacArthur)
Police pushed back and eventually resorted to riot gear and pepper spray to hold the protestors back so the last shelter could be torn down.
People fell to the ground, while others tried to help by pouring milk into their irritated eyes. Paramedics dressed in personal protective equipment ran through the streets.
Reports say 24 people were arrested during the protest.
The second shelter was finally torn down when city staff were brought in to dismantle it on site.
A man with a chainsaw, who wasn’t wearing protective equipment, eventually cut through it. People threw water bottles and apples as he chopped it up.
A video showing the police using pepper spray during yesterday’s protest in downtown Halifax. Credit: Nova Scotia Advocate. pic.twitter.com/rjFNMcaUVX
— Steve MacArthur (@Steve_Mac_NS) August 19, 2021
The Legal Aid Service states the right to adequate housing is rooted in Canadian and international human rights law and in Halifax Regional Municipality’s own policies.
Reporters were told by several people they had received no good offers for housing alternatives before being evicted.
The service adds the evictions also raise “very serious constitutional issues, including the right to non-discrimination for persons with disabilities”
“The Mental Health Commission of Canada estimates that up to half of the 150,000 to 300,000 Canadians experiencing homelessness have serious mental health problems. By evicting and ticketing those who have nowhere else to go, the HRM is criminalizing some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”
The city has stated the removal of the temporary homes was needed to ensure the health and safety of residents.
A GoFundMe has now been launched to help support people who were arrested while trying to protect those who are without a home.
The campaign says everyone was released from police custody by 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday. According to Halifax Regional Police, residents were charged for obstructing officers and for assault of police.
They were released on a promise to appear in court.
The GoFundMe has raised $26,000 as of Thursday morning for people who need financial support to cover their legal fees.
Dalhousie Legal Aid has issued a call to the municipal government to take a housing first approach.
“We call upon the Mayor and Council to halt the evictions until they sit down with all stakeholders to draw up a housing transition plan that is lawful, orderly, and humane.”
Members of city council were largely quiet as the events unfolded on Wednesday, but District 11 Councillor Patty Cuttell broke that silence.
What happened today in Halifax is shocking. People are angry for good reason. This is about more than temp shelters. We need to address the very real affordable housing crisis in hfx & in cities across our country. In the meantime folks need shelter. I understand it was offered.
— Patty Cuttell 11 (@pattycuttell11) August 18, 2021
The group is also calling on incoming Tory Premier Tim Houston to act by building affordable housing units and by funding new housing-first projects.
It’s putting together a list of the names and contact information for all citizens who were removed from the parks.
The Dalhousie Legal Aid Service is operated by the university’s Schulich School of Law and focuses on helping low income communities.
