The federal government has turned down Toronto’s request to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illegal drugs for personal use within the city. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks cited concerns about safety in her decision, as per a statement from Health Canada.
“She has determined that it does not adequately protect public health and maintain public safety,” the statement read.
Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, emphasized the potential benefits of decriminalization as part of a comprehensive strategy to address the opioid crisis. “As Minister Saks has refused Toronto Public Health’s request to decriminalize personal possession of controlled drugs and substances, the need to invest in other available evidence-based interventions is all the more critical,” she said.
In 2023, Toronto reported 733 suspected drug-related deaths, with 523 of these deaths attributed to opioid toxicity. Since 2016, Canada has witnessed at least 42,000 opioid overdose deaths.
Toronto’s request to Health Canada, submitted in early 2022, sought an exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The application was supported by the Toronto Police Service, harm reduction experts, and advocates.
Ontario’s chief medical officer of health had also advocated for the decriminalization of personal possession of unregulated drugs. However, last week, Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones and provincial Solicitor General Michael Kerzner sent a letter to Dr. de Villa, stating the province’s opposition to the request. “Under no circumstances will our government ever support your request, which would only add to crime and public drug use while doing nothing to support people struggling with addiction,” the letter read.
Health Canada’s press release highlighted the province’s lack of support as a factor in the federal rejection. “[The federal government has] concerns with feasibility and ability for law enforcement to implement the proposed model, protection of youth, and lack of support from key players including the province of Ontario,” the statement said.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford for a more coordinated approach to the opioid crisis. “We have an opportunity to change how we approach this epidemic and develop a whole-of-society framework to meet health needs in a strategic, efficient, and cost-effective way that improves the lives of all residents,” she wrote.
Mayor Chow proposed several initiatives, including a 24/7 crisis center, expanded housing programs, new social supports, and health services. “Shared commitment and responsibility for increased treatment demands a collaborative pilot program focusing on a broad and bold approach, one which encompasses connections to primary care, supportive housing, harm reduction, and partnerships with emergency services,” she stated.
The federal government’s decision follows the recent move to recriminalize public illicit drug use in British Columbia. B.C. had started a decriminalization pilot in January last year but requested adjustments to the program. The federal government granted this request last week, making public possession of illicit drugs illegal again, though adults won’t be arrested for possessing or using drugs in private.