Please read our Commenting Policy first. These are the choices the Québec government continues to make. MONTREAL -- Quebec's homeless do not have to abide by the province's curfew, as it discriminates and disproportionately hurts them, a Superior Court judge ruled on Tuesday. A judge ruled Tuesday that the restrictions were endangering homeless people’s health and safety and that the impact of the measure on the homeless population was “discriminatory and disproportionate.” As of Saturday, a four-week overnight curfew comes into effect and Quebecers will need to stay home between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with few exceptions. Canada's Quebec retreats on homeless curfew requirement after court order. Lawyers were in court asking for an injunction to lift the overnight curfew for homeless people in Quebec. MONTREAL — Quebec’s second opposition party is calling for people experiencing homelessness to be exempt from the government-imposed curfew. Requirements can include sobriety, mental stability, and being COVID-symptom free. - MJPS, Op-Ed: Canadians Must Not Forget the Phoenix Fiasco, Anti-Spitting Hats and Price-Gouging: How the Economy Adapts to a Pandemic. Should Canada Release Inmates to Alleviate COVID-19 Concerns? The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and they do not reflect the position of the McGill Journal of Political Studies or the Political Science Students’ Association. Homeless people are no longer subject to Quebec’s curfew, a Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday. A spokesperson for the Montreal police told Ricochet to ask the city government about enforcement. Legault has expressed his dismay concerning criticism over the government’s decision. Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit: Is $107 Billion Enough? This is certainly the stance of Premier François Legault, whose official announcement that the Québec government would be enacting a province-wide curfew took place on January 6th. How the pandemic is impacting filing your taxes, Saskatoon mom warns families about irreversible parental leave error, QC woman dies of blood clot after receiving AstraZeneca vaccine, More Quebec healthcare workers getting vaccinated after ministerial decree, Pride flag won’t fly at Halton Catholic schools, Hooked-jaw sea worms spotted off South Carolina coast, Quebec Superiour Court rules in favour of curfew exemption for homeless, Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates, Montreal mayor calls on premier to exempt homeless from COVID-19 curfew. Moreover, the cause of death bears no weight on the fact that the government forced the centre to limit their services in a time when people need these services most. The Quebec government says it will not challenge a temporary court order exempting the province’s homeless population from the nightly curfew implemented to stem the tide of the novel coronavirus. The Quebec government says it will not challenge a … A group of homeless people in Montreal is pictured on Jan. 19. READ MORE: Quebec Superiour Court rules in favour of curfew exemption for homeless. Quebec residents are only allowed outside between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. for essential travel under the curfew, which is meant to help control the spread of COVID-19, but Masse’s safeguard order suspends the curfew for homeless people until Feb. 5. He states that he has asked the opposition to provide him with one example of a police officer unfairly issuing a fine, to which he claims he received none. MONTREAL -- A group of legal aid lawyers were in court … Quebec Superior Court judge Justice Chantal Masse made the decision at a Montreal courthouse on Tuesday night, saying the “safety and health” of people who are homeless are put at risk by the government’s mandated curfew. Those who disobey may incur a fine ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. Due to the nature of the virus, individuals are at greater risk of contracting the virus when in close proximity to one another and while shelters have measures put in place to prevent the virus’ spread, the risk cannot be completely eliminated. #polqc The lawyers representing the homeless legal clinic said the problems faced by S.A. are similar to those faced by other homeless people, who they said are often vulnerable and suffer from mental illness or substance abuse issues. Amanda Moniz of the Montréal Indigenous Community Network shares Nakuset’s concern, stating that “there are absolutely not enough beds.”. The province implemented it as part of lockdown measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. “We have read the decision rendered last night and do not intend to challenge it,” he wrote on Wednesday. “This is a measure that came down with the homeless as a last consideration,” he said, referring to the curfew. Montreal mayor Valérie Plante has joined calls to exempt the homeless population from the nightly curfew. It is therefore understandable as to why some individuals may choose to avoid shelters, especially given the COVID-19 outbreak among Montréal’s homeless population in recent weeks. However, Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante admits that the city is still experiencing nights where shelters are unable to provide a sufficient number of beds. Advocates for the homeless hold a protest against the COVID-19 curfew Monday, January 11, 2021 in Montreal. Quebec’s nightly curfew imposed by the provincial government no longer applies to those experiencing homelessness. However, sufficient availability does not necessarily resolve the matter, as there are often eligibility requirements that individuals must satisfy in order to access these spaces. Chapman said those who live on the street can now focus on “their regular stresses” such as finding something to eat or where to sleep instead of potential tickets. Judge Chantal Masse said the plaintiff, a group of legal aid lawyers who were working on behalf of homeless clients, demonstrated that the lives, safety and health of homeless people were put at risk by the curfew. During the press conference, Premier Legault explained that there would be exceptions to the curfew, but warned that the curfew would otherwise oblige all Québecers to remain indoors, including Québec’s homeless population. Premier François Legault announced Monday that 740 Quebecers were fined between $1,000 and $6,000 over the weekend for breaking Quebec’s curfew. Plante voiced her desire for the provincial government to exempt homeless individuals from the curfew, finding it to be even more difficult to access resources with curfew’s imposition. A petition urging the government to lift its curfew for homeless people has been tabled at the National Assembly. To address the lack of beds in Montréal, two new shelters are opening at the Pierre-Charbonneau sports arena and the TAZ indoor skatepark, which are intended to provide 112 and 150 beds, respectively. Alexandre Leduc, a member of Quebec solidaire, said Wednesday his party is concerned after hearing reports that homeless people have been ticketed in Val-d’Or and Montreal for violating the health order. In a cutting decision delivered late Tuesday, Superior Court judge Chantal Masse ordered the provincial government to exempt people without housing from a curfew that subjected them to fines of up to $6,000 for being outside after 8 p.m. — with files from Global News’ Annabelle Olivier, Brayden Jagger Haines and The Canadian Press, Get a roundup of the most important and intriguing stories, delivered to your inbox, Quebec will exempt homeless from COVID-19 curfew after court finds rule endangered safety. The city said the curfew is a public health ordinance and therefore it’s up to Quebec to decide how fines will be doled out. Judge Chantal Masse said the plaintiff, a group of legal aid lawyers who were working on behalf of homeless clients, demonstrated that the lives, safety and health of homeless people were put at risk by the curfew. Perhaps a curfew is what the province needs. Had the Open Door been allowed to stay open, André would have been in an environment that is poised to aid during medical emergencies. The Quebec government said Wednesday it will not challenge a temporary court order granted Tuesday that exempts the homeless from a provincewide curfew imposed to … The #Quebec government forced to exempt #homeless people from a provincewide #curfew imposed to limit the spread of #COVID19. Quebec's second opposition party is calling for people experiencing homelessness to be exempt from the government-imposed curfew. “I really want the government to help us,” says Annisee, part of Montreal’s homeless community, and struggling with Quebec’s 8pm to 5am curfew. In a cutting decision delivered late Tuesday, Superior Court judge Chantal Masse ordered the provincial government to exempt people without housing from a curfew that subjected them to … Quebec’s second opposition party is calling for people experiencing homelessness to be exempt from the government-imposed curfew. David Chapman, project co-ordinator at Resilience Montreal, described it as “one less psychological weight” for the homeless to bear. [ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]. – MIR, Turkish-Russian Ceasefire: More Uncertainty for Displaced Syrians, Why COVID-19 May Exacerbate Indigenous Injustice - MJPS. Global's Brayden Jagger Haines reports – Jan 27, 2021, Quebec reports first death due to blood clot after AstraZeneca vaccine, Ontario reports 3,480 new COVID-19 cases, 24 deaths, Coronavirus: Quebec may loosen public health restrictions early February in some regions, Coronavirus: Quebec may loosen public health restrictions early February in some regions – Jan 26, 2021, Quebec reports almost 1,100 new COVID-19 cases, 12 more deaths, COVID-19 vaccine certificates ‘to be expected’ as part of pandemic, Trudeau says, Health Canada stands behind AstraZeneca COVID-19 shot after 1st blood clot death reported, India’s deadly COVID-19 surge rooted in crowded super-spreader events. MONTREAL (CityNews) – A superior court has ruled that Quebec’s homeless must be exempt from the province-wide 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew. A homeless man walks in a lane near Ste-Catherine St. and Metcalfe Sts. What if you don’t make it? © 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Quebec will exempt homeless from COVID-19 curfew after court ruling, WATCH: A Quebec Superior Court judge has ruled that people experiencing homelessness are now exempt from the province's curfew rules — a decision the government will not appeal. He froze to death while seeking shelter in a portable toilet after the government’s callous decision to order the Open Door, a drop-in centre André frequented often, to close its doors at 9:30 p.m. Premier Legault has cautioned the public to not associate André’s death with the curfew, however, it is difficult to fathom how André’s death could not be attributed to it. The city’s shelters, which in some cases have had to reduce available beds due to virus outbreaks, are either full or close to capacity, and even emergency beds designated for the homeless in temporary shelters are scarce. As a result of the curfew, those who choose to stay outside as a means of protecting their health are no longer afforded that option. In an effort to support homeless individuals during this time, there has been an increase in accommodations provided to them. Those who disobey may incur a fine ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. During the press conference, Premier Legault explained that there would be exceptions to the curfew, but warned that the curfew would otherwise oblige all Québecers to remain indoors, including Québec’s homeless population. Police in Quebec can no longer fine people for being homeless after eight o’clock. However, regardless of whether the curfew is logical or illogical, it has problematic implications for the homeless community. The restriction has been hotly contested, however. Quebec Premier refuses to allow curfew exemption for the homeless people. Reiterating Plante’s call, Miller urged the provincial government to provide amnesty for the homeless population, saying that “we must show more humanity” towards people without housing. Community workers and politicians at all levels of government had called on Premier François Legault to exempt the homeless from the curfew after a man was found dead this month in a portable toilet not far from a Montreal homeless shelter he frequented. Police say officers are asked to use their judgment when dealing with homeless people who are outdoors after 8 p.m. Since this tragedy, it has been allowed to reopen for 24 hour service. “Since the start of the curfew, our desire has been for people experiencing homelessness to be guided to the right resources and not to bring them to justice.”. Why? The curfew, which is in effect until at least Feb. 8, stipulates Quebecers must be home from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. every night, with few exceptions. Following the announcement of a province-wide curfew, a first in the midst of Québec’s struggle against the spread of COVID-19, a flurry of controversy has ensued regarding the Québec government’s expectation that its homeless population comply. MONTREAL (Reuters) - The Canadian province of Quebec on Wednesday retreated from a controversial requirement for homeless people to follow a curfew aimed at curbing the spread of novel coronavirus, after a court ruled it put them in danger. “At least they won’t have to worry about a 1,500 fine that they can’t pay for,” he said. READ MORE: Montreal mayor calls on premier to exempt homeless from COVID-19 curfew. She also noted that the Crown did not challenge evidence presented to court showing tickets, which carry fines from $1,000 to $6,000, have already been given to homeless people for breaking the curfew. Nakuset, executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter, is one such advocate who holds a different view from that of the Premier: “He seems to think there are enough shelters. Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante and proponents call Quebec Premier François Legault to provide curfew exemption for the homeless. Legault made the comment during a press conference on the province’s coronavirus response. Alexandre Leduc, a member of Quebec solidaire, said Wednesday his party is concerned after hearing reports that homeless people have been ticketed in Val-d'Or and Montreal for violating the health order. The curfew, which is in effect until at least Feb. 8, stipulates Quebecers must be home from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. every night, with few exceptions. Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated Thursday that he would not be modifying curfew rules, claiming that his critics calling for amnesty for the homeless are sowing division in the province. Quebec's homeless do not have to abide by the province's curfew, as it discriminates and disproportionately hurts them, a Superior Court judge ruled on Tuesday. It is a choice to be ignorant to those who are not afforded the same privileges as you are, and it is a choice to abandon those who need your help most. Among those who have called upon the Premier to change course are Mayor Valérie Plante and Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller. The court order is welcomed by shelters and those who work closely with vulnerable Montrealers. 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Quebec is the only province thus far to impose a curfew in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19. André’s tragic death occurred on January 16th, one week after the curfew was first put into effect. Homeless people are no longer subject to Quebec's curfew, a Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday. Leader of the Official Opposition of Québec Dominique Anglade challenges this statement, claiming that Legault had received knowledge within the hour of a homeless man reportedly “receiv[ing] a ticket while on his way to an overnight shelter.” Regardless of whether Legault did in fact receive the report in time, it is a choice to be insensitive to those who are most vulnerable. From community advocates to municipal politicians, there seems to be a clear consensus: Legault was wrong to claim there is enough room for Québec’s homeless population to seek refuge in shelters. 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