Seite - 134 - in VULNERABLE - The Law, Policy and Ethics of COVID-19

VULNERABLE134 Second, enforcement of physical distancing by-laws or rules made under provincial emergency powers differs across the country.28 Some local governments have focused on using “snitch lines,” where residents are encouraged to report transgressive behaviour to local authorities. And while cities have limited public amenities like play- grounds, local governments differ on their approach to outdoor move- ment. For example, Vancouver residents have been given greater use of parks, sidewalks, and bike paths than those in Montréal, Toronto, and Ottawa.29 Municipalities also differ in their focus on sanctions. In some cities, residents who violate physical distancing rules—like sit- ting on park benches—are issued heavy fines or threats of imprison- ment.30 In contrast, other municipalities focus on educating the public through signage and warnings rather than sanctions. Third, Canada’s large cities recognize that particular popula- tions require proactive assistance, in particular those experiencing homelessness, who were identified as especially vulnerable in pre- vious Canadian pandemics.31 Each city has introduced specific aid in the form of shelter space or hotel rooms. Missing are services for the vast number of low-income seniors, young people, and precari- ously employed persons, who have been most affected by library and community centre closures that deprive many of Internet access and a warm place to spend their days.32 Cities are not yet responding to the broad range of needs experienced by vulnerable people, due to a lack of secure funding. Canadian pandemics such as H1N1 revealed great disparity in their effects on vulnerable people, especially low- income and racialized people.33 Researchers are tracking the policing 28. See e.g. City of Ottawa, “State of Emergency: COVID-19 in Ottawa” (last visited 21 May 2020), online: City  of  Ottawa  <https://ottawa.ca/en/health-and-public- safety/covid-19-ottawa/rules-and-restrictions>. 29. Canadian Urban Institute, supra note 19. See also National Capital Commission, “Update: Queen Elizabeth Driveway Pilot Project”, online: National Capital Commission <https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/closures/pilot-project-temporary-closure-queen- elizabeth-driveway-motor-vehicle-traffic>. 30. McCarthy Tetreault, supra note 23. 31. Kristy E Buccieri & Rebecca Schiff, eds, Pandemic Preparedness and Homelessness: Lessons  from  H1N1  in  Canada (Toronto: Canadian Observatory on Homelessness Press, 2016). 32. Rob Gillezeau, Lindsay Tedds & Gilliant Petit, “Here’s How Municipalities Should Respond to COVID-19”, Policy  Options (23 April 2020), online: <https:// policyoptions.irpp.org/magazines/april-2020/heres-how-municipalities-should- respond-to-covid-19/>. 33. Janet E Mosher, “Accessing Justice amid Threats of Contagion” (2014) 51:3 Osgoode Hall LJ 919.