Federal Government Rejects Toronto’s Request to Decriminalize Drug Possession

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya'ara Saks speaks in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on May 7, 2024. The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby

OTTAWA—Addictions Minister Ya’ara Saks has rejected Toronto’s request to decriminalize the possession of controlled drugs, citing concerns about public safety.

The decision was announced Friday evening before the long weekend, after weeks of immense political pressure from the opposition Conservatives and the Ontario government to refuse Toronto’s request