Nonprofits in Ontario are under attack for serving vulnerable populations

“As poverty becomes more visible in public and communal spaces – such as libraries, transit, and parks – hostility towards people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and mental health and/or addictions challenges has increased significantly.

“Othering” narratives have become normalized in Ontario’s polarizing climate and mis/disinformation campaigns, and they are contributing to the stigmatization and dehumanization of vulenrable people.

This environment makes the work of caring for Ontario’s communities even harder. And to make things worse, nonprofits are increasingly under attack for doing it.

Ways nonprofits are being targeted include:

• Provincial legislation that is creating an environment for anti-poverty rhetoric and actions.
• Municipal actions that hinder nonprofits providing programs and services.
• Lawsuits filed by neighbourhood groups alleging nuisance and negligence in nonprofits meeting their obligations.

Resources to help nonprofits resist and prevent targeting

• Issues brief

• What to do if you get sued: A primer for nonprofits

• Explainer on recognizing and responding to complex but common legal needs

• The Walrus Talks Philanthropy in a Changing Canada: Who Supports the Caring Sector?