CTS decision is a death sentence disguised as policy

I write this with a heavy heart, knowing that my words may not fully capture the devastation that comes with the announcement of supervised consumption site closures. But I can’t stay silent. This is not just a policy decision; this is a death sentence.

Every day, people who use drugs walk through the doors of supervised consumption and treatment sites, not just for a place to use, but for a lifeline. These spaces represent more than just harm reduction — they are beacons of hope, where judgment is left at the door and dignity is restored.

The people who come to these sites are not statistics; they are our neighbours, our friends, our family members. They are human beings who deserve the best possible care, including access to safer drugs and compassionate treatment.

When we talk about closing these sites, what we’re really talking about is turning our backs on some of the most vulnerable members of our community. We are condemning them to a world where they are left to fend for themselves in alleys, parks and other unsafe places. We are forcing them to make choices between bad and worse, all while the stigma of their circumstances continues to suffocate them.

It breaks my heart to think of the lives that will be lost because of this decision. And yes, make no mistake — lives will be lost. The closure of these sites is not just a logistical issue; it is a moral failing. We have the power to save lives, to offer dignity and care, and yet, we are choosing not to.

But it’s not too late to change the course we are on. We need to stand up and say, “No more.” We need to demand that our leaders prioritize human lives over politics. We need to fight for the right of every person, no matter their circumstance, to be treated with the humanity they deserve.

That’s why I’m asking you to take action now. We’ve started a petition to keep these life-saving consumption sites open. By signing, you’re not just adding your name to a list — you’re standing up for compassion, for dignity and for the right of every person to be treated with respect and care.

People who use drugs are not the problem — our society’s lack of compassion and understanding is. We must do better. We owe it to them, to ourselves, and to the future we want to create.

To sign the “Save Our Safe Consumption Sites” petition, visit https://chng.it/JXpgnS5rzX.