The second season of "Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent" tackles a pressing issue in its episode titled "White Squirrel City," focusing on the lives of people residing in a Toronto homeless encampment and the frustrations of nearby residents who wish for its removal. Kevin Drew, a prominent figure in the Canadian music scene, guest stars as Mick McCarthy, an activist championing the rights of the unhoused. Drew initially declined the role, citing his discomfort with acting, but reconsidered after discovering a personal connection to the character's name and the episode's focus on homelessness—a cause dear to his heart due to his mother's advocacy work with Habitat for Humanity.
The episode draws inspiration from real-life events, specifically the 2022 stabbing death of Kenneth Lee, a homeless man in Toronto. "Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent," a Canadian spinoff of the renowned "Law & Order" franchise, aims to represent Toronto authentically. The show reimagines real Toronto crime headlines as fictional investigations, with detectives Henry Graff and Frankie Bateman, played by Aden Young and Kathleen Munroe, leading the charge.
“Toronto’s a shareholder’s town, so my episode would deal with how we live for the shareholders and everyone’s angry about it.” – Kevin Drew
“Our city is suffering from miscommunication and mismanagement.” – Kevin Drew
Drew's participation in the episode goes beyond acting. He donated his earnings to a local charity, a gesture matched by the show's producers. This aligns with the episode's broader goal of sparking discussions about affordability and addressing Toronto's homelessness crisis. The show's team strives to portray these issues from within the community's perspective.
“In a way that feels like we’re doing it from the inside and that we’re part of the community.” – Kathleen Munroe
“We really wanted to get into the complexity of housing in this city and to not in any way demonize or vilify people who are struggling, who don’t have housing, because that is such an issue in this city.” – Kathleen Munroe
The narrative highlights not only those residents advocating for the homeless but also those calling for the encampment's removal. This multifaceted portrayal aims to foster empathy and understanding among viewers.
“It’s devastating to think I’m going home to a remote control, and the (unhoused) are looking for dry timber to cook dinner with tonight.” – Aden Young
“As a community we have to look at the issue with compassion and understanding. And hopefully that will stop some of the more radical opinions on it.” – Aden Young
The episode reflects on how communities have responded during challenging times, emphasizing solidarity and support for encampments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That’s what I saw over COVID: a lot of neighbourhoods coming together to keep those encampments in their parks when so many were saying they’ve got to get out.” – Kevin Drew
The issue of homelessness remains critical, with more than 80,000 people experiencing homelessness in Ontario last year—a 25% increase from 2022. By addressing these complex realities through a popular TV series, "Law & Order Toronto" hopes to engage its audience in meaningful conversations about societal responsibilities.
