Supervised drug-use sites shutdowns violate rights, lawsuit claims
- A community group operates a drug-use site in Toronto's Kensington Market.
- The Ontario government has enacted a law requiring the closure of several supervised drug-use facilities.
- The lawsuit seeks to protect the rights of individuals who rely on these safe consumption spaces.
In Ontario, Canada, a community organization named Neighbourhood Group Community Services has taken legal action against the provincial government following the enactment of a new law that mandates the closure of nearly half of the province's supervised drug-use sites. This challenge, filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, specifically addresses the recently passed Community Care and Recovery Act, which has been criticized for potentially leading to increased risks for vulnerable populations, including drug users. Particularly, the lawsuit contends that the closures violate rights guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which include the right to life, liberty, security, and protection against discrimination.