Addictions Minister Had ‘Deep Concerns’ With Toronto’s Decriminalization Pitch

Addictions Minister Had ‘Deep Concerns’ With Toronto’s Decriminalization Pitch
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Ya’ara Saks rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on May 9, 2024. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang
The Canadian Press
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Federal Addictions Minister Ya'ara Saks says she had “deep concerns” about the lack of limits Toronto put on its now-rejected pitch to decriminalize the possession of illegal drugs—and the city health agency’s refusal to make any changes.

Earlier this month, Ms. Saks told reporters that Toronto Public Health’s long-standing application was “dormant,” then announced its denial days later, on a Friday evening before a long weekend.