Poilievre urges Trudeau to refuse Toronto’s plea to legalize drugs
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reject a proposal from the city of Toronto to decriminalize drugs. In a letter dated May 1, Poilievre expressed concerns that decriminalization could lead to increased chaos and overdose deaths, and urged Trudeau to take immediate action.
He warned that legalizing hard drugs in Toronto, as previously done in British Columbia, would only result in further harm and despair for vulnerable Canadians. Poilievre also called for a reversal of the federal government’s support for drug decriminalization in B.C., citing a significant rise in overdose deaths since the policy was implemented.
The pilot project on drug decriminalization in B.C. began in January 2023, allowing for the possession of certain illegal drugs up to 2.5 grams. However, B.C. Premier David Eby recently requested a revision of the exemption order to reintroduce criminalization in public spaces like hospitals, transit, and parks.
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Eby emphasized the need for a balance between compassion for drug addiction and maintaining public safety, noting the negative impact of street disorder on communities. He called for measures to ensure safety while expanding treatment options for drug users.
The recent policy shift in B.C. followed reports of public drug use in hospitals, bus stops, and parks, raising concerns about eroding public safety without effectively addressing substance abuse issues.
Toronto’s Request
In 2022, Toronto requested an exemption from federal drug laws to allow personal drug use in the city. A revised request in 2023 sought additional protections for young individuals and the removal of possession limits, going beyond B.C.’s policy.
Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa clarified on April 30 that the city’s intent was not to legalize drugs but to enhance treatment efforts alongside other stakeholders, including law enforcement and drug users.
