Feds reject Toronto's request to decriminalize simple possession of illicit drugs

The federal government has rejected a request from Toronto to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illegal drugs for personal use within the city.

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya'ara Saks rejected the request due to lingering concerns about safety, according to a statement from Health Canada released Friday.

«She has determined that it does not adequately protect public health and maintain public safety,» the statement said.

Toronto's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa said Friday that decriminalization is «one evidence-informed policy tool» to address the opioid crisis.

«As Minister Saks has refused Toronto Public Health's request to decriminalize personal possession of controlled drugs and substances, the need to invest in other available evidence-based interventions is all the more critical,» she said in a statement.

Toronto Public Health reported 733 suspected drug-related deaths in the city in 2023, including 523 deaths caused by, or likely caused by, opioid toxicity. At least 42,000 people have died of opioid overdoses in Canada since 2016.

The city made a request to Health Canada in early 2022 for an exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The application was supported by the Toronto Police Service and harm reduction experts and advocates.

Ontario's chief medical officer of health also has called on the province to decriminalize possession of unregulated drugs for personal use.

Last week, Ontario Health Minister Sylvia Jones and provincial Solicitor General Michael Kerzner wrote a letter to Toronto's medical officer of health indicating that the province would not support Toronto's bid for decriminalization.

«Under no circumstances will our government ever support your