NorWest CHC in Thunder Bay, the location of the former safe injection site - (Acadia Broadcasting File Photo)
New rules are coming regarding safe injection sites, and not everyone is happy.
The sites are set up for people to consume drugs safely but a new rule has made it so they will no longer be allowed to be located near schools or childcare centres.
It means the closure of ten sites across the province, including one in Thunder Bay the only one in the northwest region.
The city of Thunder Bay has released a statement highlighting its disappointment.
“This affects the overall harm reduction approach outlined within the Council-approved Drug Strategy,” said the city in a release. “The province has identified that more resources will be available to support people with addictions, and through the creation of Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hubs.”
“The City looks forward to seeing additional investments in harm reduction, treatment and recovery, prevention, and supportive housing to help those in need.”
Moving forward the city hopes to become a HART Hub Location, but they are still awaiting more details on the application process.
“Addressing addictions and overdoses, and their associated physical and mental health issues, is a complex and multi-pronged endeavour,” added the release. “The city needs significant increases to current resource levels to make a difference. The most vulnerable need more help.”
A local MPP and members of the provincial opposition also weighed in on the issue through a release.
“(Thunder Bay’s safe injection site) offers wrap-around services and has saved countless lives,” said Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP, Lise Vaugeois. “I’m shocked that the Ford government is shutting down an essential service that is working so well. The Minister of Health is taking away a key tool in our fight to save lives and putting stigma ahead of support.”
Sudbury’s MPP Jamie West was equally as critical of the closure.
“My Sudbury community stepped up and funded our local CTS ‘The Spot’ when the government wouldn’t,” said West. ”
“Healthcare is a provincial responsibility, and the Premier refused to fund it. Now, Ford is removing a vital tool during an overdose epidemic—one we know saves lives. The blame will lie with the government.”
The closure of certain safe injection sites is not the only change coming to the program.
During the announcement, Health Minister Sylvia Jones says steps will also be taken to restrict the development of new safe injection sites or existing ones taking part in the federal safe supply program, with legislation to be introduced at Queen’s Park this fall.
No timelines were released as to when the provincial government would like to see Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment hubs up and running.
