Ontario introduces bills that would toughen trespass penalties, ban drug use in effort to tackle encampments

In a move meant to allow a crackdown on homeless encampments, the Ontario government is introducing legislation that would stiffen penalties for trespassing and ban the public use of illegal drugs, while pledging to spend an additional $75.5-million on shelters and housing.Premier Doug Ford, flanked by a group of local mayors, announced new measures on Thursday that he said would help municipalities and police clear out encampments from parks and public spaces across the province - while also providing more shelter spaces.