Feds refuse Toronto's request to decriminalize simple drug possession

The federal government has denied Toronto's request to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use.

The federal government has denied Toronto's request to decriminalize simple possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use, saying it "does not adequately protect public health and maintain public safety."

"This includes concerns with feasibility and ability for law enforcement to implement the proposed model, protection of youth, and lack of support from key players including the Province of Ontario," Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Ya'ara Saks said in a statement released Friday afternoon.

Ottawa's decision came a day after the Ontario government urged the city to drop the request, which it called "misguided" and "disastrous."

Health Minister Sylvia Jones and the province's Solicitor General Michael Kerzner indicated in their letter to Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's medical officer of health, that the province will not support the request made to Health Canada in early 2022 for an exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Premier Doug Ford also reiterated that his government would not back the request in his letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday, in which he asked Ottawa to pause the approval of new safe supply sites.

"As we've already indicated to Toronto Public Health, we do not, and never will, support their application to decriminalize illegal drugs," Ford wrote. "Please consider this our formal confirmation to the federal government that we are 100 per cent opposed to their proposal."

Ford's comments come in tandem with federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who also recently penned a letter to the prime minister asking him to reject Toronto's request.