Tory Motion Aims to Block Drug Decriminalization in Montreal and Toronto
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has presented a motion in the House of Commons urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reject requests from Montreal and Toronto to decriminalize illicit drugs.
The motion, put forward on May 9, also requests the government to refuse any present or future appeals from provinces, territories, and municipalities seeking federal permission to legalize hard drugs within their jurisdiction.
In his address in the House of Commons, Mr. Poilievre recounted his visit to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside three years ago, expressing his shock at the devastation caused by active drug addiction in the community.
He highlighted the growth of homeless tent encampments in various Canadian cities, including Halifax, Nova Scotia, pointing to the government’s drug policy as a contributing factor.
Mr. Poilievre raised concerns about companies providing a safe supply of drugs like heroin and cited the significant number of overdose deaths in B.C. since 2016.
The Tory leader criticized doctors and companies profiting from the ongoing drug crisis, particularly those involved in safe supply drugs.
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Ya’ara Saks questioned Mr. Poilievre’s failure to meet with the group Moms Stop the Harm, an advocacy group representing families impacted by overdose harms and deaths.
Bloc Québécois MP Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay pointed out the distinction between legalization and decriminalization, while Mr. Poilievre argued that in practice, there was little difference.
NDP MP Gord Johns echoed concerns about the toxic drug supply and criticized Mr. Poilievre for not meeting with Moms Stop the Harm.
The proposed change aims to prohibit addicts from using drugs in public places like parks, coffee shops, or public transit.
The vote on Mr. Poilievre’s motion is scheduled for May 21. While non-binding, such motions can apply pressure on the government with significant MP support.
