Addictions Minister Expresses Major Concerns Over Toronto’s Decriminalization Proposal
Federal Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks expresses significant concerns regarding Toronto’s unrestricted proposal for decriminalizing illegal drug possession, as well as the city health agency’s refusal to make any modifications.
Ms. Saks disclosed that Toronto Public Health’s application, which had been inactive for a while, was eventually denied without any changes being made; this decision followed mounting political pressure urging the minister to withdraw her support for the policy.
The minister highlights that the proposal lacked age restrictions and limitations on the quantity of drugs an individual could carry, leading to her rejection of the pitch after Toronto declined to address the previously identified concerns in early May.
A spokesperson for Toronto Public Health did not provide clarifications on the minister’s objections or the sequence of events.
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Dane Griffiths stated that the agency learned of Ottawa’s rejection on May 17, the same day it became public knowledge.
In a statement, Griffiths emphasized decriminalization as an evidence-based policy approach to lowering barriers to care.
“I had significant concerns with the proposal,” mentioned Ms. Saks during an interview with The Canadian Press on May 23.
The city initially submitted its decriminalization request in January 2022, with updates made in 2023.
“Health Canada posed several queries to Toronto Public Health to address the proposal’s concerns,” Ms. Saks added.
