In the wake of the federal government’s rejection of Toronto’s request to decriminalize the possession of small quantities of drugs, experts are urging provinces and territories to continue pushing for decriminalization policies. Guy Felicella, a harm reduction and recovery expert in British Columbia, stresses the importance of treating substance addictions as a health issue rather than a criminal offense. He argues that the current model of criminalizing people who use drugs is ineffective and counterproductive, leading to incarceration and isolation, which hinders access to treatment and recovery. Decriminalization, on the other hand, facilitates access to help and reduces the stigma associated with substance use, empowering individuals to seek treatment and achieve fulfilling lives. Felicella emphasizes that criminalizing drug possession also makes it more challenging for people who are struggling to reach out for help due to fear of consequences. He advocates for a collective strategy involving all levels of government to address the drug crisis and provide comprehensive support to individuals with substance addictions. The need for collaboration between federal, provincial, and municipal governments is echoed by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who emphasize the importance of focusing on treatment programs and harm reduction strategies rather than solely on legal aspects. Despite the federal government’s rejection of Toronto’s request, experts and officials maintain that decriminalization remains a vital approach to addressing the drug crisis effectively and improving public health outcomes.
Drug Decriminalization: Provinces and Territories Urged to Persist Despite Federal Rejection
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