May 20, 2024
Critics say the focus on decriminalization is an unhelpful distraction from the lack of progress on other solutions to the drug toxicity problem.
By Wendy GillisCrime Reporter, and Alyshah HashamCity Hall Bureau
With Toronto’s request to the federal government officially rejected, proponents of decriminalization for illegal drugs say they are “dismayed” the city has lost what they say is a key measure to fight the ongoing toxic drug crisis.
Colin Johnson, co-chair of the Toronto Harm Reduction Alliance — a grassroots organization composed of front-line workers, researchers and people who use drugs — said the group was “despondent” to see Ottawa’s refusal late Friday to grant Toronto’s request to decriminalize drug possession for personal use.