Faith leaders in Ontario are urging Premier Doug Ford to reverse his decision to close 10 supervised consumption sites across the province. These religious organizations believe that the sites play a crucial role in saving lives and providing support to those struggling with addiction, particularly in areas with high need and limited resources. Health Minister Sylvia Jones has announced plans to shift the province’s approach to the overdose crisis towards an abstinence-based treatment model, leading to the closure of these sites by March 31, 2025. Despite warnings of potential spikes in deaths once the sites shutter, the faith leaders are determined to pressure Ford for change.
The faith organizations involved in this advocacy work closely with individuals who are addicted to drugs and have seen firsthand the positive impact of supervised consumption sites in their communities. Bishop Andrew Asbil of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto emphasized that these sites serve individuals with the highest needs and least resources, often located in areas of deprivation and high crime rates. Rabbi Aaron Flanzraich of Beth Sholom Synagogue stressed the importance of viewing addiction as a human issue rather than an ideological one, calling for a supportive policy that recognizes the humanity of those affected by substance abuse.
The opioid crisis in Ontario escalated with the rise of illicit fentanyl in 2015, leading to a surge in opioid-related deaths, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of the Chief Coroner reported a peak mortality rate of 19.3 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, with the majority of fatalities involving fentanyl. While the mortality rate declined slightly to 17.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2023, it remains significantly higher than pre-crisis levels. The Ford government’s decision to close supervised consumption sites has sparked concerns about the potential impact on overdose rates and access to life-saving services.
Ontario’s consumption and treatment services model, introduced in 2018, aimed to address the opioid crisis by establishing supervised consumption sites and other supports for individuals struggling with addiction. However, Ford has described this approach as a “failed policy” and announced plans to replace the sites with new homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hubs. Health Minister Sylvia Jones has reassured the public that the closures will not result in any deaths and has encouraged existing sites to transition to the new model, provided they eliminate supervised consumption spaces and needle exchange programs. Despite the government’s stance, faith leaders and advocates remain committed to advocating for the retention of supervised consumption sites.
The debate over supervised consumption sites in Ontario reflects broader tensions surrounding drug policy, harm reduction, and treatment approaches for addiction. While the government emphasizes community safety and support for recovery, critics argue that closing these sites could have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations. The faith leaders calling on Premier Ford to reconsider his decision are highlighting the human impact of these closures and urging for a more compassionate and evidence-based approach to addressing the overdose crisis. As the province moves forward with its new treatment model, the ongoing advocacy efforts of religious organizations and health advocates will be crucial in shaping the future of harm reduction services in Ontario.
