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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SUPREME COURT, WHILE DENYING INTERIM INJUNCTION, RESTRAINS ENFORCEMENT OF CITY BYLAWS WITHOUT APPROPRIATE ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MEASURES TO PROTECT CHARTER RIGHTS
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The Abbotsford Drug War Survivors (DWS) are encouraged by the court’s recognition of the serious Charter rights violations associated with the City of Abbotsford’s actions toward the vulnerable residents of the encampment. While the court did not grant an immediate injunction, we are pleased that it clearly acknowledged the potential for irreparable harm if the residents are displaced without adequate alternatives.
The ruling underscores the life-threatening risks posed to the encampment residents—risks such as exposure to violence, extreme weather, and the ongoing toxic drug crisis. As the court stated, these risks are significant and may result in irreparable harm unless they are mitigated by appropriate measures put in place by the City.
Although the injunction was denied, the court’s decision restrains the City from enforcing its bylaws without first addressing the specific needs of the unhoused residents. The ruling mandates that any enforcement of bylaws must be phased and only carried out after ensuring that the necessary supports—including harm reduction services and adequate shelter—are in place. This is a clear acknowledgment of the residents’ Charter rights and a directive that the City must uphold these rights before taking any action.
We look forward to working with the City, as dictated by the ruling, to ensure the dignity, safety, and well-being of every resident is respected. This decision represents a significant step toward a more compassionate and just approach to addressing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. We hope this serves as a foundation for future collaborative efforts to provide the necessary resources and support for the unhoused community, ensuring their welfare is always a priority.
We remain committed to working alongside the City to ensure that no person is left behind, and that the rights of all residents, housed or unhoused, are upheld with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Abbotsford Drug War Survivors
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