Fighting to Save Safe Consumption Sites in Ontario

Today we are looking at the movement to save supervised consumption sites in Ontario, after an unexpected announcement in August that 10 out of 17 sites in the province have been slated for closure by the Ford government following new zoning regulations regarding proximity to schools and daycares. Without mass mobilization and support these sites will be forced to stop providing life saving harm reduction services by April 01, 2025.    There is abundant evidence that supervised consumption sites provide significant cost savings to the healthcare system, reduce public drug use and discarded paraphernalia, facilitate access to essential wrap-around services, and most importantly, keep people alive amidst a toxic drug crisis. Despite this evidence the Ford government is scapegoating people who use substances as an excuse to further cut life saving public health services. Spring member and community health worker, Stephanie Myers, spoke to SCS workers and community members, to share the important work that happens in these sites and what's at stake if they close. These interviews were recorded early September 2024. Since recording this episode, the Conservatives have pushed legislation through provincial parliament in an undemocratic process, including skipping the community consultation, into the 3rd reading. We also want to acknowledge that some of the stigmatizing language used in the interviews is not endorsed by Spring, however we want to give space for people to use whatever language they identify with - including how one may relate to their substance use.    You can find petitions and letters to sign in support of safe consumption sites at the Save Our Sites linktree — https://linktr.ee/SWK4102   Follow the Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective on Instagram to stay informed on upcoming actions and other ways to support safe consumption and harm reduction efforts — instagram.com/hracollective    Other Instagram accounts we recommend following for more info & to support harm reduction in Ontario: @candrugpolicy @drugchecking @hac_toronto @torontoodpreventionsociety @torontoindigenousharmreduction @kmops_ @mossparkctstoronto @streethealthops @bevelupops @kitchenercts This episode was produced in Tkaronto on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. It was produced by Stephanie Myers, Carlie Macfie, and Ayan Tani. With original music by Benjamin Bilgen. To read and listen to more from Spring, and to find out how to join the Spring Socialist Network, please go to SpringMag.ca.