Close X
Friday, November 29, 2024
ADVT 
National

Lawyer Says Homeless In Abbotsford Not Responsible For Plight

The Canadian Press, 04 Aug, 2015 12:18 PM
  • Lawyer Says Homeless In Abbotsford Not Responsible For Plight
NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C. — A lawyer arguing that the rights of homeless people are being violated in Abbotsford, B.C., says the city is blaming victims of the system.
 
David Wotherspoon of Pivot Legal Society says the Fraser Valley community shouldn't fault the homeless for garbage or human waste at encampments because the population doesn't choose to be homeless.
 
Lawyers for the city are expected to make closing arguments later today in response to a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme.
 
The trial has heard that the city's homeless have been repeatedly evicted from public spaces through various means including dumping of chicken manure.
 
The Drug War Survivors represents at least 151 homeless people and says the city's 25 available shelter beds can't accommodate them.
 
Abbotsford has already presented evidence suggesting housing is available, but the group says most of the spaces are difficult to access, especially for drug addicts.

MORE National ARTICLES

Gardens Sprout In London Community Mailbox Sites As Locals Oppose Canada Post

Gardens Sprout In London Community Mailbox Sites As Locals Oppose Canada Post
Miniature gardens are sprouting at certain locations in London, Ont., where Canada Post plans to install controversial community mailboxes.

Gardens Sprout In London Community Mailbox Sites As Locals Oppose Canada Post

'A Sour Result' As Canadian Economy Shrank In May, Fifth Consecutive Monthly Decline

'A Sour Result' As Canadian Economy Shrank In May, Fifth Consecutive Monthly Decline
OTTAWA — The Canadian economy contracted in May, the fifth consecutive monthly decrease, increasing the possibility the country slipped into a recession in the first half of the year.

'A Sour Result' As Canadian Economy Shrank In May, Fifth Consecutive Monthly Decline

B.C. Among Few Provinces Without Transgender Protections In Human Rights Code

B.C. Among Few Provinces Without Transgender Protections In Human Rights Code
VANCOUVER — When rainbow flags and noisy revellers fill Vancouver's Davie Street for the city's annual Pride Parade on Sunday, there's one political leader who will be conspicuously absent: Premier Christy Clark.

B.C. Among Few Provinces Without Transgender Protections In Human Rights Code

Crack Military Markswoman Sgt. Tatyana Danylyshyn Takes Top Honours At International Shooting Event

Crack Military Markswoman Sgt. Tatyana Danylyshyn Takes Top Honours At International Shooting Event
VANCOUVER — A Canadian Army reservist from Vancouver Island didn't miss as she put first place in the cross hairs at an international shooting competition in England.

Crack Military Markswoman Sgt. Tatyana Danylyshyn Takes Top Honours At International Shooting Event

WHO-Led Study Shows Canadian-Made Ebola Vaccine Protects Against Dreaded Disease

A new study reported Friday that a vaccine designed by scientists working at Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg induces a quick and highly protective response against the virus.

WHO-Led Study Shows Canadian-Made Ebola Vaccine Protects Against Dreaded Disease

Canada's Frustrating Dairy Hardball Could Slow Trans-Pacific Partnership Talks: New Zealand Envoy

Canada's Frustrating Dairy Hardball Could Slow Trans-Pacific Partnership Talks: New Zealand Envoy
Other parties around the bargaining table are growing exasperated with Canada for stonewalling their demands to pry open its dairy market as part of a major global free-trade deal.

Canada's Frustrating Dairy Hardball Could Slow Trans-Pacific Partnership Talks: New Zealand Envoy