Kitchener-Waterloo

'We know they are necessary': Health minister says of supervised consumption sites

Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott says MPPs are welcome to speak their mind about supervised consumption sites, but she knows the sites "save lives." Conservative MPP Belinda Karahalios opposes a site for Cambridge.

Minister Christine Elliott's comments come as Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios continues to oppose the sites

A dish of sterile needles, alcohol swabs, and drug test strips.
Health minister Christine Elliott says she believes MPPs are free to speak their mind about supervised consumption sites, but that "we know that they are necessary in Ontario." (Michael McArthur/CBC)

Ontario's minister of health is reaffirming her government's commitment to supervised consumption sites, as one her MPPs continues to speak out against them.

Conservative MPP Belinda Karahalios has said she will be a vocal opponent of a supervised consumption site in Cambridge if the city moves ahead with opening a facility.

Asked about Karahalios' comments during a news conference Monday, Elliott said MPPs have a right to speak their mind, but that her government's position on supervised consumption sites is clear.

"With respect to consumption and treatment service sites, we know that they are necessary in Ontario," said Elliott, adding that she's visited several and that they "save lives."

Elliott added that she is also committed to ensuring that rehabilitation and other addiction services are available for those who need them.