November 11th, 2024 | Toronto Star via UVic News
The urgent need to protect the rights of homeless individuals in Ontario cannot be overstated. A new op-ed co-authored by professors from the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia highlights the legal protections under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, specifically section 7, which guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security of the person. The op-ed criticizes the push by some Ontario mayors to use the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to override these rights, arguing that sidestepping legal protections for the unhoused is a counterproductive tactic that ignores human rights and fails to address the urgent need for compassionate solutions.
One of the co-authors is Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark, an Associate Professor in Indigenous Governance at the University of Victoria. Stark is deeply involved in issues related to Indigenous rights and governance, and her expertise brings a critical perspective to the discussion on homelessness. Her involvement in the article underscores her commitment to advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations, including those who are homeless.
At the University of Victoria, Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark focuses on Indigenous treaty-making and the relationships between Indigenous nations and the state. Her research includes examining Anishinaabe treaty relations and their implications for contemporary governance. Stark also serves as the Director of the Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement, where she works on projects that support Indigenous communities and their rights. Her areas of expertise include Indigenous governance, treaty rights, and the intersection of Indigenous and state legal systems. Through her work, Stark continues to contribute valuable insights and advocacy for Indigenous and marginalized communities.
For those interested in exploring more of Heidi Kiiwetinepinesiik Stark’s work, you can find her open-access publications on UVicSpace, the University of Victoria’s institutional repository. Her research offers valuable insights into Indigenous governance, treaty rights, and the intersection of Indigenous and state legal systems. Visit UVicSpace to access her publications and learn more about her contributions to these important fields.
