STEVENS: Ford abandoning Niagara region in the middle of toxic drug crisis

ST. CATHERINES – Ontario NDP MPP Jennie Stevens, (St. Catharines), says the closure of Positive Living Niagara’s CTS is another devastating example of the Ford government turning their back on communities in the middle of an overdose crisis fuelled by a toxic drug supply:

“This is a reckless and heartbreaking decision that will have real consequences in our community. Positive Living Niagara’s CTS reversed more than 1,500 overdoses and connected thousands of people to healthcare, housing, and treatment supports. Losing this critical service will only push more overdoses into out emergency rooms and increase pressure on already stretched paramedics and hospitals.

“This site helped bridge the gap for people in crisis and relieved pressure on first responders every single day. Closing this site will not make the toxic drug crisis disappear, it will shift the consequences onto municipalities, front line workers, and families already struggling to keep up.

“The addictions and housing crisis is a provincial responsibility. Communities like St. Catherines should not be left dealing with more visible crisis in public spaces, discarded needles, and growing pressure on local services because the Ford government chose cuts over care.”