Faith leaders across Ontario are calling on the provincial government to reconsider its decision to close 10 supervised drug consumption sites, citing concerns over the potential deadly consequences.
In a joint statement released on Monday, leaders from various religious communities expressed their deep concern over the closure of these sites, which provide a safe and supervised space for individuals to consume drugs and access support services.
The statement, signed by over 50 faith leaders, highlighted the critical role these sites play in saving lives and reducing harm in communities affected by drug use. They emphasized that these sites not only provide a safe space for individuals to consume drugs, but also offer access to health care, harm reduction supplies, and support for addiction treatment.
The decision to close these sites, which was announced by the provincial government last month, has sparked widespread outrage and concern among health experts, community organizations, and now faith leaders.
Rev. Alexa Gilmour, a United Church minister and one of the signatories of the statement, stated that the closure of these sites goes against the values of compassion and care that are central to many faith traditions. She added that it is a moral imperative to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction have access to life-saving services.
The closure of these sites will have a devastating impact on vulnerable communities, particularly in the midst of the ongoing opioid crisis. According to the latest data from the Public Health Agency of Canada, there were over 17,000 opioid-related deaths in Canada between January 2016 and December 2020.
The faith leaders are urging the provincial government to reverse its decision and work towards expanding access to harm reduction services, rather than limiting them. They also called for a collaborative approach that involves community organizations, health experts, and faith leaders in finding solutions to the complex issue of drug use.
In response to the statement, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health stated that the decision to close these sites was made after careful consideration and that the government remains committed to addressing the opioid crisis through a comprehensive approach.
As the debate over the closure of these sites continues, faith leaders are standing in solidarity with those who are most affected by this decision and are calling for a compassionate and evidence-based approach to addressing drug use in Ontario.
