While Barrie is under a state of emergency regarding homelessness and related lawlessness, a different emergency declared in Orillia – city council unanimously passed a motion last night to declare a household food insecurity emergency.

The motion states household food insecurity is driven by income inadequacy, not by food availability or food skills.

It calls for provincial and federal measures toward income-based policy solutions – like increased social assistance, a guaranteed livable basic income and investments in affordable housing and mental health services.

A copy will be sent to multiple levels of government ministers, including Premier Doug Ford.

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