Drug toxicity kills 7 people a day in Ontario. Why aren’t major parties addressing it more this election?
The drug toxicity crisis in northern Ontario’s largest city, Sudbury, can be likened to a battlefield, with white crosses marking the tragic loss of lives due to accidental overdoses. This crisis is not unique to Sudbury but is a widespread issue across the region, with Northern Ontario cities like Thunder Bay, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, and North Bay consistently topping the list for drug toxicity mortality rates in the province.
According to data from the coroner’s office, drug toxicity claims an average of seven lives per day in Ontario. In an effort to address this alarming trend, supervised consumption sites were established throughout the province to provide a safe space for drug users to consume substances under medical supervision. However, these sites were recently shut down by the Ford government, leaving many individuals without access to life-saving interventions.
In Sudbury, the closure of supervised consumption sites has led to the emergence of encampments behind the former facility, leaving drug users like Rob Black feeling vulnerable without the presence of healthcare professionals to intervene in case of an overdose. Despite the critical need for harm reduction services, discussions around addressing the opioid crisis have been notably absent from the political discourse during the election campaign.
The Progressive Conservatives have pledged to continue their ban on supervised consumption sites, instead focusing on enforcement measures to deter drug use in public spaces. They also plan to invest in Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs to provide comprehensive support for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
On the other hand, the Ontario Liberals aim to expand treatment and recovery services while prioritizing the rapid construction of supportive housing units. The New Democratic Party advocates for evidence-based strategies and increased funding for residential treatment beds, emphasizing the importance of supporting individuals with addictions rather than criminalizing them.
The Green Party takes a health and human rights approach to substance use, advocating for the creation of supportive housing spaces with wraparound services and the reopening of supervised consumption sites in areas with high opioid-related deaths.
Karla Ghartey, a community health nurse and advocate for supervised consumption initiatives in Sudbury, emphasizes the importance of harm reduction services in supporting individuals on their path to recovery. Despite the challenges faced by facilities like The Spot, Ghartey believes that supervised consumption is a crucial component of the recovery process for many individuals struggling with addiction.
As the election approaches, voters in Sudbury and across Ontario are urged to consider the importance of evidence-based strategies and comprehensive support systems in addressing the opioid crisis. While political parties may have differing approaches, the ultimate goal remains the same: saving lives and supporting individuals on their journey towards recovery.
