Ford slams safe injection sites: 'It's like putting an alcoholic outside the LCBO'

Federal data shows that there were 42,711 reported opioid-related overdose hospitalizations from January 2016 to December 2023 in Canada, with more than 2,800 Ontarians dying from opioids in 2021 alone.

  • By
  • August 13, 2024
  • News
Ford slams safe injection sites: 'It's like putting an alcoholic outside the LCBO'
The Canadian Press / Chris Young
Remove Ads

Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his long-standing opposition to so-called “safe consumption sites” during his stop in Thunder Bay on Tuesday.

Instead, Ford said he would like to see more investment into detox and rehabilitation programs, noting that these safe injection sites often damage the communities that they’re in.

“I’d rather put [funding] into detox beds and help and support,” Ford said when asked about safe consumption sites in northern Ontario, of which there is only one.

“On a daily basis, in Toronto, there’s safe injection sites that neighbourhoods are going absolutely crazy. Again, there’s needles all over the parks, unfortunately, one innocent citizen got killed last year up by Leslie[ville]. It’s not good. I want to help these people. I’ve seen it firsthand. I want to help them,” Ford said.

“They say that safe injection sites help and everything? Well, the numbers don’t show that, as far as I’m concerned. They say it’s going to save the world. No. It’s like putting an alcoholic outside the LCBO and telling them not to drink but you get a bottle every single day. It doesn’t make sense.” He continued.

Ford’s comments come as the province continues to deal with the opioid crisis. Federal data shows that there were 42,711 reported opioid-related overdose hospitalizations from January 2016 to December 2023, with more than 2,800 deaths from opioids in 2021 alone.

Ford’s opposition to the consumption sites is not new. In 2018, during his campaign for premier, Ford voiced his disapproval by saying he was “dead against” the sites and also said then that he believed in funding drug rehabilitation instead.

Social justice advocates in recent weeks have called for an increase in support for these facilities, where the drug addicted can come and use dangerous drugs freely.

Advocates claim that the sites are essential. A recent rally at Queen’s Park organized by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario had former drug addicts present who credited a site with saving lives, reports the CBC.

Despite this, Ford’s government has signalled its intent to introduce "enhanced accountability measures" for existing sites following a recent review, and Ford has called on the federal government to halt approvals for new sites.

Just last week, Ontario's Big City Mayors called for urgent federal and provincial action to address the 'humanitarian crisis' and fallout from failed drug policies through their launching of the 'Solve the Crisis' campaign. 

news Canada Ontario Doug Ford Fix Our Cities
Remove Ads
Remove Ads

Don't Get Censored

Big Tech is censoring us. Sign up so we can always stay in touch.

Subscribe via RSS
Remove Ads

Don't Get Censored

Big Tech is censoring us. Sign up so we can always stay in touch.