City councillors support push to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illegal drugs

Hamilton city councillors unanimously voted Wednesday to support a federal government initiative to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illegal drugs.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said the report had his "full support" and the city would adopt decriminalization if the government makes it possible.

"There are many examples identified in the report around places in the world that have decriminalized and how that has actually improved addiction ... and of course taking a lot of people out of the criminal justice system and put them into health care where it belongs," he said.

It comes as Hamilton continues to deal with the opioid crisis and illegal drug use. Between 2012 and 2021, there was a 494% increase in opioid overdoses in the city, according to the report.

The most recent data from the city's opioid information system shows there's been a rise in the number of people visiting local emergency departments to treat drug misuse or overdoses, with 115 visits between June 27 and July 3 this year — the highest number since at least 2019.

From Jan. 1 to July 31, local paramedics responded to 427 incidents related to suspected opioid overdoses, which indicates overdoses are occurring at a slower rate compared to recent years.

Data from 2021 shows the city had 165 opioid-related deaths.

Report says decriminalization has benefits

Wednesday's board of health meeting also follows the March passing by board members of a motion directing staff to report back on recommendations from the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition.

The recommendations included providing a legal, safe supply of drugs to substance users and increasing access to safe consumption sites.

The new board of health report said there's evidence of the benefits of softer penalties for illegal drug use, combined with referrals to health services and social services.

The report says that in Portugal, decriminalization led to fewer deaths, less drug use, lowered the stigma around drug use and saw an increase in people accessing treatment services.

Coun. Maureen Wilson said the decriminalization of personal possession of illicit drugs needs to be supported by funding to "present people with the health supports, the social support, the housing supports, the educational supports that will be needed."

Coun. Brad Clark said the city's homelessness issues have a direct result of illicit drug use and substance abuse. 

But he's hopeful decriminalization will lead to an increase in substance abuse treatment, "which is a positive thing in our community."

Clark also said there needs to be harsher penalties for people making and dealing illegal drugs, "because that's where this is starting."