Laura Pin
@lpin.bsky.social
Settler in the Hammer. Associate Prof at Laurier in Waterloo, ON. Public policy, housing, budgets, inequality. Parent to one human & one cat. Coffee, bikes & unions. She/her.
Reposted by Laura Pin
Homelessness will dramatically increase in Toronto over the winter, primarily because of provincial and federal funding cuts. Because of this, Toronto's Warming Centres will not be able to meet the need.
My interview this morning with CBC Metro Morning.
www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
My interview this morning with CBC Metro Morning.
www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
November 11, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Homelessness will dramatically increase in Toronto over the winter, primarily because of provincial and federal funding cuts. Because of this, Toronto's Warming Centres will not be able to meet the need.
My interview this morning with CBC Metro Morning.
www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
My interview this morning with CBC Metro Morning.
www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
Another week, another round of encampment evictions in Cambridge, ON. Appreciate that his article makes it clear local shelters are at capacity and people have no permanent housing options www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/e...
Encampment eviction in Cambridge leaves residents with nowhere to go, say advocates
As temperatures drop, a group of unhoused individuals are being forced from an encampment site in Galt, with no clear alternatives or available shelter beds, according to local advocates
www.cambridgetoday.ca
November 6, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Another week, another round of encampment evictions in Cambridge, ON. Appreciate that his article makes it clear local shelters are at capacity and people have no permanent housing options www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/e...
This is deeply distrubing, especially as publically available data demonstrates that research proposals from many equity-deserving groups remains under-represented in Tricouncil funding.
The Canadian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Research is launching a US-style attack on EDI in Tri-Council funding.
As part of this attack, they are demanding disclosure of confidential demographic info + reviewer comments of all Canadian researchers who have applied b/w 2000-2025.
As part of this attack, they are demanding disclosure of confidential demographic info + reviewer comments of all Canadian researchers who have applied b/w 2000-2025.
October 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM
This is deeply distrubing, especially as publically available data demonstrates that research proposals from many equity-deserving groups remains under-represented in Tricouncil funding.
Reposted by Laura Pin
With September 30 marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, APTN News looks at how many of the 94 Calls to Action have been answered since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission delivered its final report in 2015.
How many of the TRC’s Calls to Action have been answered? | APTN News
YouTube video by APTN News
youtu.be
September 29, 2025 at 11:02 PM
With September 30 marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, APTN News looks at how many of the 94 Calls to Action have been answered since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission delivered its final report in 2015.
Our article "A place to find community: the role of autonomy and care in managed encampments" was just published in Urban Geography. You can access a free copy using this link:
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/DEAA6...
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/DEAA6...
A place to find community: the role of autonomy and care in managed encampments
This paper explores the longest ongoing managed encampment of people experiencing homelessness in Canada: A Better Tent City (ABTC). Located in Kitchener, Ontario, ABTC hosts 48 residents, with ano...
www.tandfonline.com
September 30, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Our article "A place to find community: the role of autonomy and care in managed encampments" was just published in Urban Geography. You can access a free copy using this link:
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/DEAA6...
www.tandfonline.com/eprint/DEAA6...
Reposted by Laura Pin
I understand that today's @cambridge.ca council meeting will be debating a motion to study the impact of evictions of encampments during extreme weather events. This is the type of study that will help council make informed decisions to protect people and uphold their fundamental #HumanRights. –MJH
September 23, 2025 at 4:45 PM
I understand that today's @cambridge.ca council meeting will be debating a motion to study the impact of evictions of encampments during extreme weather events. This is the type of study that will help council make informed decisions to protect people and uphold their fundamental #HumanRights. –MJH
Reposted by Laura Pin
Yesterday, I visited #Cambridge and #Kitchener, Ontario. I heard about the challenges experienced by people living in #encampments and organizations that support them.
September 23, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Yesterday, I visited #Cambridge and #Kitchener, Ontario. I heard about the challenges experienced by people living in #encampments and organizations that support them.
Reposted by Laura Pin
Community advocates have written some excellent responses in favour of Cllrs Hamilton and Earnshaw's motion re preventing extreme weather encampment evictions in Cambridge this Tuesday 1/6 pub-cambridge.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
Motion re: Preventing the forced removal of unhoused persons during extreme weather events - Council Meeting - September 23, 2025
pub-cambridge.escribemeetings.com
September 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Community advocates have written some excellent responses in favour of Cllrs Hamilton and Earnshaw's motion re preventing extreme weather encampment evictions in Cambridge this Tuesday 1/6 pub-cambridge.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx...
Reposted by Laura Pin
Earlier this year our team partnered with students from the Master of Applied Politics program at @wilfridlaurieruni.bsky.social to engage in research on barriers to election participation faced by people experiencing homelessness, and best practices for addressing these barriers.
Ballots Without Barriers: Empowering Unhoused Voters during the 2025 Ontario Election | Perspectives Journal
Despite legislative guarantees under the Canada Elections Act, practical barriers continue to hold one of the country’s most marginalized populations back from political participation.
bit.ly
September 16, 2025 at 3:39 AM
Earlier this year our team partnered with students from the Master of Applied Politics program at @wilfridlaurieruni.bsky.social to engage in research on barriers to election participation faced by people experiencing homelessness, and best practices for addressing these barriers.
Proud to see four Laurier MAP students here, publishing on barriers to voting while unhoused in Ontario from their collaborative work with @wrcls.bsky.social. Congratulations Mary, Romanpreet, Lily and Aya!
NEW RELEASE: PERSPECTIVES JOURNAL NO. 4
Bringing clarity amid a moment of obscurity, issue no. 4 of Perspectives Journal offers progressive answers on housing, public sector cuts, and the new neoliberal status quo.
Read now at perspectivesjournal.ca
Bringing clarity amid a moment of obscurity, issue no. 4 of Perspectives Journal offers progressive answers on housing, public sector cuts, and the new neoliberal status quo.
Read now at perspectivesjournal.ca
September 15, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Proud to see four Laurier MAP students here, publishing on barriers to voting while unhoused in Ontario from their collaborative work with @wrcls.bsky.social. Congratulations Mary, Romanpreet, Lily and Aya!
Time for the Ride for Refuge, and once again I'll be riding in support of SDC and the amazing work they do in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge community. Would love some company! More info here: rideforrefuge.org/location/kit...
Kitchener Central (Social Development Centre Waterloo Re...) - RIDE 2025
What moves you? The Ride for Refuge is a family-friendly fundraising bike + walk in support of local charities serving people seeking hope, safety, and freedom. Join us Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025!
rideforrefuge.org
September 3, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Time for the Ride for Refuge, and once again I'll be riding in support of SDC and the amazing work they do in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge community. Would love some company! More info here: rideforrefuge.org/location/kit...
Congratulations to @wrlegalservices.bsky.social, supporting community members, and residents of 100 Vic. Maybe RoW should drop the bylaw so we can all focus on permanent, accessible, low barrier housing options.
Great new!👍The Court has granted an injunction for the 100Vic Encampment Case! The Region is restrained from enforcing its Site-Specific By-law until the constitutionality of the bylaw can be determined following the hearing in November.
Read the decision at: wrcls.ca/3878-2
Read the decision at: wrcls.ca/3878-2
August 21, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Congratulations to @wrlegalservices.bsky.social, supporting community members, and residents of 100 Vic. Maybe RoW should drop the bylaw so we can all focus on permanent, accessible, low barrier housing options.
The City of Cambridge has been issuing eviction notices during heat waves to people experiencing homelessness all summer. Federal housing advocate urges the City to "avoid creating additional harm" www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/c...
City urged by federal housing advocate not to evict homeless encampments during heat waves
Police confirm Cambridge is the only municipality in Waterloo region currently enforcing the Tresspass to Property Act in homeless encampments
www.cambridgetoday.ca
August 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The City of Cambridge has been issuing eviction notices during heat waves to people experiencing homelessness all summer. Federal housing advocate urges the City to "avoid creating additional harm" www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/c...
Reposted by Laura Pin
Today, during a heatwave, Cambridge bylaw and police used heavy machinery to throw out 4 unhoused peoples personal belongings. With no suitable shelter options, they face serious health risks. Evictions should be paused during extreme weather. Learn a better way: homelesshub.ca/book/office-...
July 15, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Today, during a heatwave, Cambridge bylaw and police used heavy machinery to throw out 4 unhoused peoples personal belongings. With no suitable shelter options, they face serious health risks. Evictions should be paused during extreme weather. Learn a better way: homelesshub.ca/book/office-...
Thanks Adrian Quijano @communityedition.bsky.social for your coverage of the (misnomer) Safer Municipalities Act and the harms it creates locally for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness www.communityedition.ca/a-layout-of-...
A LAYOUT OF LAWS SURROUNDING ENCAMPMENTS – The Community Edition
www.communityedition.ca
July 9, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Thanks Adrian Quijano @communityedition.bsky.social for your coverage of the (misnomer) Safer Municipalities Act and the harms it creates locally for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness www.communityedition.ca/a-layout-of-...
Reposted by Laura Pin
Chasing people living outside a few or hundreds of meters over, over, & over again, via threats, tickets, notices, forced removal, destroying property, intimidation, is all more work, cost, waste, horror, violence & repugnance than just offering real housing & care. Disgusting.
July 4, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Chasing people living outside a few or hundreds of meters over, over, & over again, via threats, tickets, notices, forced removal, destroying property, intimidation, is all more work, cost, waste, horror, violence & repugnance than just offering real housing & care. Disgusting.
City of Cambridge has issued encampment eviction notices meant to be enforced during this heatwave. Instead of supporting people to stay alive, trying to push people out of their shelter. Why are we evicting people during extreme weather?
June 24, 2025 at 8:40 PM
City of Cambridge has issued encampment eviction notices meant to be enforced during this heatwave. Instead of supporting people to stay alive, trying to push people out of their shelter. Why are we evicting people during extreme weather?
Don't block the help - community speaks out about the new site specific bylaw displacing encampment residents at 100 Vic in Kitchener: www.therecord.com/opinion/cont...
Don’t block the help: Restoring access and dignity to Kitchener encampment residents
Dignity, safety and care for people living at Victoria and Weber streets should not depend on a policy loophole. They must be the foundation of how we respond to encampment communities — starting now,...
www.therecord.com
June 11, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Don't block the help - community speaks out about the new site specific bylaw displacing encampment residents at 100 Vic in Kitchener: www.therecord.com/opinion/cont...
If this is the Mauleek and Don I think it is, will be a great show!
Today at 1pm we welcome Maleek and Don from Concerned People on Drug Use to the Civic Hub. Listen to @radiowaterloo.ca at CKMS-FM 102.7, online at radiowaterloo.ca/listen, or YouTube Live: youtu.be/Vm4bg4N4OGw
Listen Live | CKMS 102.7 FM – Radio Waterloo
radiowaterloo.ca
June 9, 2025 at 6:01 PM
If this is the Mauleek and Don I think it is, will be a great show!
Reposted by Laura Pin
Lawfare is increasingly being wielded to bolster the state’s ability to repress and criminalize pro-Palestinian movements.
NEW from @irinaceric.bsky.social of @windsorlaw.bsky.social on Toronto’s bubble zone bylaw:
NEW from @irinaceric.bsky.social of @windsorlaw.bsky.social on Toronto’s bubble zone bylaw:
Bursting the bubble (zone): Resisting Toronto’s anti-protest bylaw
Toronto’s new bubble zone anti-protest bylaw is both more and less dangerous than it may appear at first glance. Less because the bylaw’s enforceability and constitutionality are shaky, more because t...
canadiandimension.com
June 9, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Lawfare is increasingly being wielded to bolster the state’s ability to repress and criminalize pro-Palestinian movements.
NEW from @irinaceric.bsky.social of @windsorlaw.bsky.social on Toronto’s bubble zone bylaw:
NEW from @irinaceric.bsky.social of @windsorlaw.bsky.social on Toronto’s bubble zone bylaw:
Reposted by Laura Pin
Good morning. Plenty is happening in the Council Chamber. I've been documenting what is happening.
Striking Hamilton Water professionals are on one side of the gallery.
The Hamilton Encampment Support Network is on the other side of the gallery. The City has confronted HESN. #yhmcc #HamOnt (1/n)
Striking Hamilton Water professionals are on one side of the gallery.
The Hamilton Encampment Support Network is on the other side of the gallery. The City has confronted HESN. #yhmcc #HamOnt (1/n)
May 28, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Great post from Jacara via @dtkmelissa.bsky.social on the harms of bylaw 25. Consider signing the petition to reverse this bylaw (linked in the post) citified.substack.com/p/surveillan...
Surveillance, Fences, and $5000 Fines
What Bylaw 25 Says About How the Region Treats Unhoused People
citified.substack.com
May 27, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Great post from Jacara via @dtkmelissa.bsky.social on the harms of bylaw 25. Consider signing the petition to reverse this bylaw (linked in the post) citified.substack.com/p/surveillan...
Waterloo Region folx, please consider signing this petition concerning 100 Vic. It's deeply informed by the experience of people on the ground: www.change.org/p/tell-the-r...
Sign the Petition
Tell the Region of Waterloo to Repeal the 100 Victoria Encampment Eviction Bylaw
www.change.org
May 23, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Waterloo Region folx, please consider signing this petition concerning 100 Vic. It's deeply informed by the experience of people on the ground: www.change.org/p/tell-the-r...
Reposted by Laura Pin
Hunting down and destroying the tents and belongings of people outside while the outdoor shelter is full and no more shelter spaces are coming, is destroying lives, destroying life and destroying Hamilton.
May 10, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Hunting down and destroying the tents and belongings of people outside while the outdoor shelter is full and no more shelter spaces are coming, is destroying lives, destroying life and destroying Hamilton.
Struggling to make sense of the NDP collapse in Hamilton Centre, especially given the inexperienced parachute Liberal candidate. Similar parachute candidates did surprisingly well in other local ridings. What a dissapointing night for local representation.
Liberal Lisa Hepfner wins re-election in Hamilton Mountain against a parachute Conservative candidate who did not have a ready campaign organization.
Next election, the Conservative will find a local candidate and be ready with a campaign organization.
thepublicrecord.ca/2025/04/joey...
Next election, the Conservative will find a local candidate and be ready with a campaign organization.
thepublicrecord.ca/2025/04/joey...
Joey's Liveblog: Federal Election Night in Hamilton
The collapse of the NDP vote changes everything - A decade ago the NDP held three of the five seats, tonight they can only hope to keep one.
thepublicrecord.ca
April 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Struggling to make sense of the NDP collapse in Hamilton Centre, especially given the inexperienced parachute Liberal candidate. Similar parachute candidates did surprisingly well in other local ridings. What a dissapointing night for local representation.