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Lawyer Says Homeless In Abbotsford Not Responsible For Plight

The Canadian Press, 04 Aug, 2015 12:18 PM

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.

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