Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has announced that if elected, his party would close all supervised drug consumption sites located near schools and playgrounds.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Poilievre stated that these sites, also known as safe injection sites, are “sending the wrong message to our children” and are not effective in addressing the issue of drug addiction.
He argued that these sites, which provide a safe and clean environment for individuals to use drugs under medical supervision, are not reducing drug use or helping people get off drugs.
Poilievre also expressed concern about the proximity of these sites to schools and playgrounds, stating that it puts children at risk of being exposed to drug use and paraphernalia.
He proposed that instead of investing in these sites, the Conservative Party would focus on increasing access to treatment and rehabilitation programs for those struggling with addiction.
The announcement has sparked controversy, with many advocates for harm reduction and drug policy experts criticizing the Conservative Party’s stance.
They argue that supervised drug consumption sites have been proven to save lives and reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. They also point out that these sites offer a gateway to treatment and support for those struggling with addiction.
In response, Poilievre stated that his party is not against harm reduction measures, but believes that there are more effective ways to address drug addiction.
The Conservative Party’s stance on supervised drug consumption sites has been a divisive issue in the past, with the party previously attempting to shut down these sites during their time in power.
As the federal election approaches, the debate over the effectiveness and necessity of supervised drug consumption sites is likely to continue.
