Ontario to close supervised drug consumption sites, calling them 'failed experiment'

The provincial government of Ontario is ending support for all remaining supervised drug consumption sites. Premier Doug Ford stated on social media on March 16 that these sites are a 'failed experiment' that make communities unsafe. Health Minister Sylvia Jones had announced the funding cut to supervised drug consumption sites before Ford's message. Jones noted that all seven remaining drug injection sites will be shut. The province banned such sites within 200 meters of schools or daycares last year, resulting in the closure of 10 drug consumption sites. The province is investing almost $550 million to establish HART Hubs across Ontario. These 'Hart Hubs' are intended to help addicts begin the path toward recovery, according to Jones.