Guy Felicella, a harm reduction and recovery expert in British Columbia, says all regions in Canada need to persevere with treating substance
Federal Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Ya’ara Saks turned down the bid roughly two years after it was first filed., to decriminalize personal possession of controlled drugs and substances for people in Toronto,” a statement issued by Health Canada Friday read.Felicella says Ottawa’s decision shows the federal government is looking at the issue of drug use through a criminal lens, “which we already know doesn’t change anything.
Toronto’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, reiterated her stance in a statement Friday that “decriminalization is one evidence-informed policy tool” to make it easier for people to seek help.She said the federal government’s decision to turn down her request has only heightened the need to invest in “other available evidence-based interventions” in the city.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been vocal about his disapproval of drug decriminalization policies.