Rush to Judgment: Taking Stock of Court Injunctions Against Homeless Encampments in BC

Homeless encampments on publicly-owned land have become a common symptom of the housing crisis in British Columbia. Sooner or later, governments often respond to them by going to court for injunctions to shut them down, dispersing many occupants to streets, parks or new encampments. The BC courts seem eager to oblige. But how eager exactly is a question that no one has studied systematically until now. This event marks the launch of a report of the first systematic study of how BC courts decide requests for injunctions to remove homeless encampments from publicly-owned land. The report paints a grim picture of the role of the courts in the intersecting crises of housing, homelessness, poverty, toxic drugs, mental health, racism and colonialism.

Attendees can join virtually or in person at Allard Hall. Please RSVP through the event page link.