To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
WHEREAS Ontario continues to bear the devastating burden of an escalating overdose crisis, with too many lives lost to a toxic drug supply
and ineffective drug policies;
WHEREAS these closures have left people without safe spaces, putting lives at risk and pushing communities into deeper crisis;
WHEREAS supervised consumption sites have been demonstrated to reduce overdose deaths, reduce unsafe drug use behaviour, and improve access to health services;
WHEREAS the Community Care and Recovery Act resulted in nine of Ontario’s supervised consumption sites closing prior to March 31, 2025;
WHEREAS the impact of the closure of supervised consumption sites was not evaluated prior to legislation mandating their closure
WHEREAS the Community Care and Recovery Act prohibits municipalities from seeking a Health Canada exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) for the purpose of operating a supervised consumption site, even if the proposed site is further than 200 metres from a school or childcare facility.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT WE THE UNDERSIGNED, call upon the Ontario government to:
Amend the Community Care and Recovery Act so municipalities can once again open supervised consumption sites where they are needed—saving lives while keeping communities safe.