Toronto’s Plea for Drug Decriminalization Denied: The Ongoing Struggle Against the Opioid Crisis

In a recent Toronto Star article, it was reported that the federal government has denied Toronto’s call for drug decriminalization. This decision has brought disappointment and condemnation from many health and social justice advocates who believe decriminalization could be a key solution to Canada’s continuing opioid crisis.

The Need for Drug Decriminalization

Toronto’s call for decriminalization is built on the premise that drug use should be viewed as a health issue rather than a criminal justice matter. Instead of criminalizing drug users, the proposed decriminalization strategy would focus on harm reduction, treatment, and recovery strategies.

Such an approach is perceived by many to be a duty-bound response to the frightening scale of drug-related harm ravaging many parts of the city. The opioid crisis has ushered in a surge of fatal overdoses, increased hospital visits, and expanding public healthcare costs.

The Effects of the Opioid Crisis

Brought to its knees by opioids, the city of Toronto has been battling an escalating opioid crisis that has left a dire trail of homelessness, crime, public health problems, and deaths. An understanding of the dire effects this crisis has had are integral to any proposed solution:

• National figures justify the concern with the number of opioid toxicity deaths in Ontario alone, which increased 79.2% in the first eight months of 2020, compared to the first eight months of 2019.
• Aside from fatal overdoses, non-fatal overdoses often result in life-altering health issues, with many victims ending up with permanent physical and cognitive disabilities.
• The opioid crisis has been a significant contributor to the homelessness problem. Many people suffering from drug addictions end up on the street due to the economic pressures and social stigma associated with drug use.
• Prescription opioid misuse often leads to the use of illegal opioids when prescription remedies run out, thereby fueling crime rates.

A Multi-Faceted Fight Against the Crisis

Despite the federal government’s rejection of the decriminalization strategy, the fight against the opioid crisis continues from several quarters. Some of those efforts are outlined below:

• The government already recognizes naloxone, an opioid overdose antidote, as a vital tool against the crisis. There has been extensive work done in expanding access to naloxones across the country.
• There is an ongoing opioid class action lawsuit against major drug manufacturers. The goal of this legal action is to hold them accountable for allegedly deceptive marketing strategies that downplay the addictive qualities of their products.

Conclusion: A Continuing Struggle

In summary, the denial of Toronto’s plea for decriminalization is only a single chapter in a complex and ongoing battle against the opioid crisis wreaking havoc in the city, and indeed the entire country. Decriminalization supporters believe the move could redirect resources from law enforcement to health care and social support, focusing on treating drug use as a health and societal issue, rather than a crime. As it stands now, our society must continue to grapple with an opioid crisis that increasingly demands innovative, compassionate, and urgent strategies.

Although it’s a hard fight, the efforts towards expanding the availability of naloxone and holding drug manufacturers accountable through an opioid class action lawsuit, represent some of the steps being taken to quell the tide of the opioid crisis. As civic and community leaders, it is incumbent on us to remain engaged, stay informed, and continue relentlessly advocating for comprehensive strategies to combat this catastrophe.