Two northern Ont. safe consumption sites face closure
Demonstrators held a rally outside of the office of Timmins MPP and Ministry of Mines George Pirie in an effort to save Safe Health Site Timmins (SHST) – the group is calling for emergency action by the Ontario Government to keep safe consumption sites in the region open.
Christina Kioke and others concerned citizens participated in a rally outside Timmins MPP George Pirie's office on Thursday to call for funding for safe consumption sites in the region. (Sergio Arangio/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Both SHST and The Spot, Sudbury’s safe consumption site will close this long weekend unless provincial funding is offered or other funding can be secured.
The province has been silent on whether it will resume funding safe consumption sites – it paused support for any such facilities, while it conducts a review, after a shooting near a Toronto site last year.
“It’s ridiculous, right. We’re a few days away from a site closing down from the province not really living up to its responsibility, from a local MPP who’s not talking to his constituents, ignoring the needs,” said Jason Sereda of DIY Community Health Timmins.
“It’s scary to see what might happen to our community if people aren’t able to access this lifesaving service.”
Christina Kioke is a concerned community member would participated in the rally.
“I do have people in my life who do use safe consumption sites and I do see the value that goes into it, and behind the work that I do, as well,” she said.
“It gives people that opportunity to reach out for help and support and have those connections so that they aren’t alone and when they are ready to make that decision to tackle the substance issues that they are dealing with, the people will be there waiting for them. We need to be able to meet people where they’re at.”
Sereda told CTV News that the community is invested in keeping SHST open and that local agencies are discussing how they can continue to pay for its operations, if the province does not step up with permanent funding.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.