CCLA Raises Alarm Over Alberta’s Decision to Close Safe Consumption Sites

TORONTO — Echoing the concerns of frontline advocates and health care professionals, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) strongly condemns the Alberta government’s decision to close safe consumption sites in Calgary and Lethbridge.

“This is a dangerous and deadly decision that makes it more difficult to access essential, life-saving health services” says Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the CCLA.

Safe consumption sites are proven harm-reduction measures that support people who use drugs and people living with addiction. They are a critical component of a comprehensive public health response, reducing overdose deaths and connecting people to care, including treatment and recovery supports.

The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized that denying people access to health services provided through safe consumption sites threatens their health and, indeed, their lives.

CCLA recently called out the decision of the Ontario government to defund safe consumption sites across the province. We are deeply concerned that Alberta is following Ontario’s dangerous lead in undermining public health.

“Communities across Canada are facing an unprecedented toxic drug crisis, alongside escalating homelessness and mental health challenges. At a time when more support—not less—is urgently required, shutting down these services puts already vulnerable people at even greater risk” added Howard Sapers, CCLA Executive Director.

We call on the Alberta government to immediately reverse this decision to close safe consumption sites in Calgary and Lethbridge. Governments must support the safety, health, and dignity of all people, including those who use drugs and people living with addictions. The CCLA will continue to defend the rights, health, and lives of the most vulnerable members of our communities.