Our Demand
We are asking the Government of Ontario to:

Reconsider the decision to end provincial funding for supervised consumption services in Toronto.
Restore sustainable provincial funding for supervised consumption services where there is demonstrated community need.
Work with the City of Toronto, community organizations, health-care providers and people with lived experience to determine where additional services are needed.
Ensure that supervised consumption services are connected with mental health care, addiction treatment, housing and other health and social supports.

Substance use and the toxic drug supply have become increasingly pressing issues in Toronto, impacting countless individuals and families. Supervised consumption services (SCS) play a crucial role in addressing this crisis by providing a safe space for people to use substances under the watchful eye of trained professionals. These facilities not only prevent fatal overdoses by allowing for immediate medical response but also serve as a vital bridge, connecting individuals to essential health and social services, and guiding them towards recovery.

In 2026, the provincial funding for the remaining supervised consumption services in Toronto was cut by the Ontario government. This devastating decision has threatened the existence of pivotal services at locations such as Fred Victor and Moss Park, leaving the community and its most vulnerable members at increased risk. Without these services, the city stands to lose a critical component of its public health strategy, aimed at reducing the harms associated with substance use.

Evidence from both national and international studies validates the effectiveness of supervised consumption services. They have been proven to reduce overdose deaths, decrease the transmission of infections like HIV and hepatitis C, and lower the incidence of public drug use and discarded needles. In cities where SCS are operational, their presence is associated with a reduction in emergency medical service calls and hospitalizations for overdose-related events. These facilities save lives, alleviate strain on healthcare resources, and build healthier communities.

Supporters of these services are witness to success stories where individuals once in the throes of addiction find pathways to stability and recovery through the support networks established at these centers. Losing them means losing an approach that not only has proven to be effective but is compassionate and humane.

Toronto cannot afford to turn its back on some of its most vulnerable citizens. By restoring funding to these essential services, the Ontario government would be investing in not just a health service, but in the dignity and potential of every individual it serves. It's vital for society to choose empathy over neglect and effective solutions over political expedience.

We implore the Ontario government to reconsider its decision and restore provincial funding for supervised consumption services in Toronto. By signing this petition, you pledge your support for compassionate and effective health solutions that save lives and strengthen our community. Let's fight for a Toronto that cares for all its residents, particularly in their hour of greatest need. Please sign this petition and stand up for a healthier, safer city for everyone.

Please sign this petition if you believe Toronto should have accessible, evidence-informed addiction and harm-reduction services that meet people where they are and give them opportunities to move toward healthier and safer lives.

Further Sources:
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/supervised-injection-services/?accordion=where-are-these-services

https://www.toronto.ca/

https://www.canada.ca/en.html