First Nations advocates are calling on the City of Kenora in Ontario to reject a proposed loitering bylaw, which they worry will unfairly target transient and homeless people, many of whom are Indigenous. The draft bylaw would give police officers authority to ticket anyone found loitering on public property, and tickets carry a fine of $100. Kenora city council met to discuss the bylaw on Tuesday, and although members acknowledged the bylaw won't fix underlying causes of homelessness, they said they can't wait for other levels of government to act. City council is scheduled to vote on the bylaw on Tuesday. A 2019 report by the Ontario Human Rights Commission found about 95 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Kenora identify as First Nations.

Source: CBC News July 19, 2020 12:45 UTC