HALCO, as part of a coalition, is calling on the City of Toronto to take immediate steps to update its Shelter and Respite Standards and provide safe housing to Toronto’s homeless population, so that it complies with federal and provincial health authorities’ guidance on physical distancing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A letter was sent to the City on April 21, 2020, and the coalition will initiate legal proceedings if the City does not take urgent action.
The coalition is comprised of the following organizations:
- Aboriginal Legal Services (ALS)
- Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO)
- Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC)
- Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA)
- HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO)
- Sanctuary Ministries Toronto
On April 24, 2020, the coalition commenced litigation against the City of Toronto. On April 29, the coalition filed this amended Notice of Application adding the Province of Ontario as a respondent. Evidence in the court case was filed on May 4.
An agreement with the City was finalized on May 19. For further information see here.
On July 6, 2020, due to serious concerns that the City had not in fact reached compliance with its obligations, the coalition announced they were taking the City back to court. For further information see here.