NORTHERN ONTARIO – The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is calling on the Province of Ontario to move forward with legislative changes to address addiction and public safety, following the introduction of new legislation in Manitoba that enables short-term, medically supervised intervention for individuals in crisis.

FONOM has long advocated for a compassionate intervention framework that allows for timely, health-based responses when individuals are at risk of harming themselves or others due to severe substance use.

“Manitoba has taken a significant step forward in recognizing the need for intervention tools that balance compassion, care, and public safety,” said Dave Plourde, President of FONOM. “We believe Ontario must now move with urgency to provide similar supports for our communities.”

Across Northern Ontario, municipalities are experiencing increasing pressures on emergency services, health care systems, and community safety, as individuals cycle through crisis without access to effective intervention pathways.

“Our communities are dealing with this reality every day,” added Plourde. “Police, paramedics, hospitals, and social services are responding repeatedly to the same individuals, without the tools needed to connect them to care. That is not working for anyone, least of all the individuals in crisis.”

FONOM noted that the impacts of addiction-related crises are being felt directly by residents and businesses across Northern Ontario. Communities are reporting increased concerns related to break-ins, open drug use, theft, property damage, arson, and ongoing challenges with bail compliance.

“These are real, everyday impacts that people are seeing in their communities,” said Plourde. “Residents are asking for a system that not only responds to crisis, but helps prevent it through intervention, care, and accountability.”

Ontario Risks Falling Behind

FONOM noted that other jurisdictions, including British Columbia and Saskatchewan, are also advancing or exploring similar approaches.

“Ontario has an opportunity to learn from these provinces and act quickly,” said Plourde. “We have been raising this issue for some time, and while the need continues to grow, progress has not kept pace.”

 

A Call for Immediate Action

FONOM is urging the Province of Ontario, particularly the Ministry of Health, to move forward with targeted amendments to the Mental Health Act that would:

  • Enable short-term, medically supervised intervention
  • Provide pathways to treatment and stabilization
  • Reduce pressure on frontline municipal and health services

“This is about ensuring people receive care when they need it most, while also improving safety in our communities,” said Plourde. “The tools exist. The models exist. What is needed now is action.”

Looking Ahead

FONOM remains committed to working with the Province of Ontario to advance a made-in-Ontario solution that reflects the realities of Northern communities and delivers meaningful outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.

“We cannot continue to respond to the same crisis with the same limited tools,” said Plourde. “Ontario has the opportunity, and the responsibility, to act.”

 

 

Media Availability

 

Dave Plourde, President,

Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities
705-335-1615 | [email protected]