In an effort to fight the opioid overdose crisis, Toronto’s medical officer of health wants to legalize small amounts of illegal substances in the city.
In a report to the city’s board of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa recommends that Toronto seek the federal government to allow simple possession of all substances.
She advises the city to submit the proposal by the end of the year.
De Villa is requesting an exemption from a part of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act that would only apply to municipal residents.
Her report says there were 531 opioid toxicity deaths in 2020, which is an 81 per cent increase from 2019.
The doctor says the current approach to the overdose crisis is not working and a public health approach is needed.
Toronto police chief James Ramer says the force supports de Villa’s request to decriminalize possession of all drugs for personal use.
The city’s board of health is set to consider the report on Dec. 6.
Source_ The Canadian Press
