London’s supervised drug consumption site could stay open with private funding: MP Fragiskatos

In the aftermath of Ontario’s decision to no longer support provincially-funded supervised drug consumption sites, a potential path forward is emerging for the London Ont., based Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service.

While the sites are funded using provincial dollars that are now set to run dry in June, it’s federal rules that allow them to operate. London Centre Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos said that could be a lifeline for the service.

“We [the federal government] recognize that as a health matter, it is a matter of provincial jurisdiction,” said Fragiskatos. “But, if Carepoint or other organizations like it were to secure private funding, then the federal government would be there to reissue an exemption to the Criminal Code so the site could continue to operate.”

Carepoint is among a number of sites across the province that allow people to use drugs while under medical supervision and with clean supplies. Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC) which has operated Carepoint since 2019, said the agency reversed 218 overdoses and had more than 15,000 visits last year.

Operators were informed last Friday by the province that funding would be cut as of Jun. 13, putting most, if not all of them, on a trajectory toward closure. The province’s decision has been panned by physicians and public health officials, alongside some local politicians.

According to Fragiskatos, the facilities operate under Criminal Code exemptions that allow for drug use on-site.

As long as RHAC can find the money to keep Carepoint running, Fragiskatos said that exemption can be renewed. He said he’s been in contact with RHAC, and has offered his support.

“They would have to go and fundraise to continue operating. That is very difficult. I recognize that … it requires significant funding,” Fragiskatos said.

“But there is a path, and as I shared with [RHAC], it's better to have a path, than no path.”

The prospect of a supervised consumption site finding its own funding is not unprecedented.

Three sites operating in Toronto — Street Health, Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site and Casey House — provide supervised consumption services and are not affected by the funding cut.

In a statement to CBC News, RHAC officials wrote they "will be considering all options available to us."

"We appreciate the Government of Canada's ongoing commitment to, and support of, harm reduction," the statement reads.

"We are humbled and extremely grateful for the outpouring of support we have received from the community."