Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague opposite for raising this issue. I know it comes from a place of genuine concern for community safety and public health. These are concerns I share deeply as well.
When it comes to safe consumption sites, I think it is important that Canadians understand how these sites are established and how decisions are made. The reality is that the decision to allow a safe consumption site or other urgent public health need site to operate ultimately rests with the provinces and territories. Each provincial and territorial minister of health has the authority to issue exemptions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Health Canada's role is limited to reviewing applications, but the final say on whether these services can operate and how they operate belongs to those jurisdictions. While Health Canada may approve an application, every organization must first demonstrate it has complied with all local laws and regulations, in its municipality, its province or territory and its own community. If it cannot meet these standards, its applications are not approved.
Just as importantly, each applicant must show they have done meaningful community engagement. This includes demonstrating that they have spoken with local residents, law enforcement and service providers; developed strong public safety measures to protect staff, clients and the surrounding community; and built relationships of trust before opening their doors.
We know this is a difficult and emotional issue. The toxic drug and overdose crisis has touched every corner of this country, from large cities like Toronto to smaller communities across Manitoba and beyond. Every lost life is someone’s child, someone’s friend, someone’s neighbour. This is why our government believes we must use every tool available to respond in a way that balances public health with public safety. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. For some communities, that means expanding access to treatment and recovery. For others, it means supporting community-led prevention and harm reduction programs.
Across the board, it means investing in the people and organizations that are saving lives every day through programs like the substance use and addictions program and the emergency treatment fund. Our goal is simple: to keep people alive and to keep communities safe.