Responding to a claim from Ontario PC leader Patrick Brown that Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government has been “dragging their feet,” on the opioid crisis, the Liberal Caucus said Friday that this was simply not the case.
The Liberals responded that for the last year, a comprehensive opioid strategy has been in place. Among the measures included in the strategy is making naloxone free to anyone in need in over 200 cities and towns across Ontario.
The Liberals introduction of a new opioid surveillance and reporting system, as well as moving forward with safe injection sites are points that the party says refute Brown’s claims.
Implementing stricter controls on the prescription and dispensation of fentanyl is another aspect of the Liberals’ plan, in addition to funding the hiring of more mental health workers.
The Liberals also say that they have been meeting with Ontario municipalities and mayors to fight the opioid crisis.
