This summer we received the news that the city of Toronto was moving forward with plans to apply for a federal exception for the possession of illegal drugs, a big step towards decriminalization as the city’s health departments began to get behind the move.
We now have news that this plan is not only still happening, but is blazing ahead with the support of the highest levels of government.
In a report released yesterday, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa recommended that the city should formally apply for the federal exemption to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illegal drugs in Toronto.
“The status quo approach to the drug poisoning crisis is not working …There is an urgent need for a comprehensive public health approach to drug policy that removes structural barriers to health care and social services, provides alternatives to the toxic drug supply, and enhances and expands services to improve the health and well-being of Toronto’s communities.”
If approved by the city’s board of health, Toronto would join Vancouver as the only cities that’ve applied for this federal exemption (the province of B.C. also applied for an exemption earlier this month). Toronto’s board of health meets Dec. 6 and has already approved many progressive drug policies, so the chances are looking pretty good.
But this is more than just news about moving up the ladder of bureaucracy, it’s also about getting the city’s biggest decision-makers on board with the concept.
The plan is now being supported by both the Toronto police chief, the national association of police chiefs, and Mayor John Tory.
“We agree that the current approach to managing drug use does not support safe communities or advance the health of people who use drugs. Decriminalization of the simple possession of all drugs — combined with the scaleup of prevention, harm reduction and treatment services — is a more effective way to address the public health and public safety harms associated with substance use” wrote Chief Jim Ramer.
While moving through the paperwork and getting federal approval is the practical final goal, the continued and increasing support by those in power is a crucial part of the puzzle. Minds are being changed at the highest level.
Stay tuned for more on this.