| Re: Bylaw called ‘poor bashing,’ News, January 15 to January 21
Co-chair of the Alberta Coalition Against Poverty Donna McPhee is correct in stating that our homeless population in part stems from cuts to the social safety net and that the new ticketing bylaw discriminates against them. However, I live in the Bridgeland area and not too long ago came across two teenage women walking into downtown that were at the point of tears due to a group of panhandlers verbally harassing them. I confronted the group and the situation came close to physical violence.
I’m sure many would agree that to be verbally assaulted for not offering cash crosses the line. The bylaw states that a fine can be given for "aggressive" panhandling and hopefully the spirit of the bylaw would not be abused. If Donna McPhee has a better idea I would suggest she take the walk some evening.
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