After Ontario announced it would stop funding supervised drug consumption sites, there’s a possible way forward for the Carepoint Consumption and Treatment Service in London, Ont.
Even though these sites rely on provincial funding that will run out in June, federal regulations allow them to operate. London Centre Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos mentioned that this could be a crucial support 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 one of several locations throughout the province where individuals can use drugs under medical supervision and access clean supplies. The Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC), which has been managing Carepoint since 2019, reported reversing 218 overdoses and handling over 15,000 visits last year.
The province informed operators last Friday that funding would cease as of Jun. 13, which threatens most if not all sites with closure. Many doctors, public health officials, and some local politicians have criticized this decision.
According to Fragiskatos, these facilities work under exemptions from the Criminal Code that permit drug use on-site.
If RHAC can secure funds to keep Carepoint operational, Fragiskatos stated that exemption could be renewed. He shared he’s been in touch with RHAC and offered his assistance.
“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.”
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Peter Fragiskatos outside the CBC London newsroom on Nov. 12, 2024. (Alessio Donnini/)
The idea of a supervised consumption site finding its own funding isn’t new.
Three sites in Toronto – Street Health, Kensington Market Overdose Prevention Site and Casey House – provide supervised consumption services without being impacted by the funding cuts.
In a statement to , 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.”
Fragiskatos indicated his backing for keeping Carepoint open goes beyond just advocating for an updated Criminal Code exemption.
While federal officials can’t directly address healthcare issues, Fragiskatos mentioned he’d contribute personally if there’s a fundraiser as a private citizen while also supporting such initiatives as an MP.
“I disagree with the [province’s] decision. I’ll be unequivocal in that,” said Fragiskatos. “If the concern is public safety-as it always must be-the evidence is clear that safe consumption sites-while an imperfect model-have served this community and others throughout Canada.”
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