Ontario’s Opioid Strategy Criticized as Outdated by Auditor General
Ontario’s approach to addressing the opioid crisis is outdated and ill-equipped to meet current needs, according to a report released Tuesday by Auditor General Shelley Spence. The report highlights significant gaps in Premier Doug Ford’s government strategy, including inadequate planning, lack of accountability, and outdated policies that fail to address the scale and complexity of the crisis.
The Crisis at a Glance
In 2022, more than 2,600 Ontarians lost their lives to drug overdoses, the majority due to opioid toxicity. Despite this staggering death toll, Ontario’s opioid strategy has not been updated since 2016. “The ministry does not have effective processes in place to meet the challenging and changing nature of the opioid crisis in Ontario,” Spence wrote in the annual report.
Controversial Policy Shifts
The Ford government has enacted legislation limiting supervised consumption sites by banning any within 200 metres of schools or daycares. This policy will result in the closure of 10 sites by March 31, 2025, despite these locations reversing more than 1,600 overdoses and reporting zero fatalities in 2022-23.
In their place, the government is launching 19 new “homelessness and addiction recovery treatment hubs” alongside 375 supportive housing units, at a cost of $378 million. While Spence acknowledged this investment as a “positive development,” she criticized the government for insufficient planning and lack of risk mitigation strategies during the transition.
Risks of Transition
Health workers, advocates, and users of supervised consumption sites warn that shutting down these facilities could lead to a surge in overdoses and deaths. The report notes that the Ministry of Health failed to provide an evidence-based business case for the hub model or conduct proper consultations with affected communities.
“The ministry has not developed plans to mitigate the risks prior to making the decision, including the number of impacted individuals, the increased overdoses and risk of death, and the financial and operational burden on emergency departments,” Spence said.
Accountability Lapses
The report also highlights systemic issues with how the crisis is managed across government ministries. Spence found no clear leadership, goals, or accountability framework, leaving multiple branches responsible for different aspects of the crisis without coordination.
“We found that accountability is lacking and remains unclear, with no specific party being designated as a lead to oversee and coordinate the work, no specific goals or targets, and no ongoing monitoring or evaluation of performance and outcomes,” the report stated.
A Call for Modernization
The auditor general urged the government to update its opioid strategy to reflect the current realities of the crisis. She called for a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that includes proper consultation, clear leadership, and measurable goals.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones has previously assured the public that the transition to the new hubs will not result in additional overdose deaths. However, Spence’s findings suggest otherwise, highlighting the urgent need for a more thoughtful and coordinated response.
Conclusion
Ontario’s opioid crisis requires a modern, evidence-based strategy that prioritizes the lives and well-being of its residents. Without clear leadership and effective planning, the province risks exacerbating an already devastating crisis.
Source : The Canadian Press
