Ontario Premier Doug Ford has requested Ottawa to halt the approval of safe-supply programs in the province.
Mr. Ford conveyed his concerns in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on May 17.
“I’m now requesting an extension of the requirement for provincial support to ‘safe supply’ sites, which are approved solely by Health Canada,” the premier wrote.
“Due to Health Canada’s isolated approval process, the province lacks information about the locations of these federally approved sites and the amount of controlled and illegal substances they distribute. This is unacceptable,” he added.
The premier’s letter coincided with Health Canada’s denial of a request from the City of Toronto to decriminalize possession of controlled illegal drugs for personal use.
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“Decriminalizing the simple possession of all drugs, alongside increasing prevention, harm reduction, and treatment services, is an effective approach to address the public health and safety risks associated with substance use,” the request explained.
“We are committed to working with frontline workers, provincial health systems, and municipalities to ensure public safety,” he stated.
‘Failed’ Decriminalization Plan
Minister Saks’s decision followed Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones’s opposition to Toronto’s decriminalization proposal.
Ms. Jones and Ontario Solicitor General Michael Kerzner jointly conveyed the province’s strong opposition to decriminalization in a letter to Toronto’s medical officer of health.
“Our government will never endorse your request, as it would only contribute to crime and public drug use without providing adequate support for individuals struggling with addiction,” the letter stated.
In their joint letter, Ms. Jones and Mr. Kerzner highlighted the need for enhanced accountability measures for existing safe-supply sites in Ontario to ensure public safety.
Premier Ford referenced British Columbia’s decision to recriminalize possession of controlled substances in public spaces as an example of failed decriminalization efforts.
“The diversion of controlled substances from these facilities has led to higher rates of opioid use among youth and relapses among individuals in treatment services,” Mr. Ford explained.
The joint letter by Ms. Jones and Mr. Kerzner outlined the province’s plans to manage the existing safe-supply sites and implement accountability measures to safeguard public well-being.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
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