Read the September 9, 2026 Update
One year ago, we declared a State of Emergency because Barrie would not accept the status quo.
Today, the results are clear.
- 870 prisoner releases diverted.
- 221 encampment sites cleared.
- 64 new beds opened.
- 424 people connected to the HART Hub.
- 83 people through live-in treatment.
But we’re not done.
Today, we’re taking the next step.
I’m launching a petition that calls on the Province to Treat Public Drug Intoxication Like Public Alcohol Intoxication.
Our police need the tools to intervene with compassionate care when someone is severely impaired in public and at risk to themselves or others…regardless of what substance caused it.
I have now proposed a dedicated police, fire and paramedic compassionate intervention team to connect people in crisis directly with treatment and support.
We chose action one year ago.
We’re choosing action again today.
Petition to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario
Protect Our Communities
Treat Public Drug Intoxication Like Public Alcohol Intoxication
Support is growing. More than 1,500 people have signed the petition, but we need more voices asking the Province to act. Add yours below.
To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:
Whereas Ontario law gives police authority to act when a person is intoxicated by alcohol in a public place and an arrest is necessary for the safety of any person;
And whereas fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and other hard drugs can cause severe intoxication, impairment, overdose, unpredictable behaviour and serious risks to the person using drugs and to others;
And whereas Ontario has taken steps to restrict the public consumption of illegal substances, but communities also need a clear, safety-focused response when a person is already severely intoxicated by drugs in a public place;
And whereas people in crisis should be connected to medical care, detoxification, treatment and recovery services whenever appropriate;
We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
That the Government of Ontario amend provincial law so that police have clear authority to respond to a person who is intoxicated by fentanyl, heroin or other hard drugs in a public place, using a safety standard comparable to Ontario's public alcohol intoxication law. Where necessary for the safety of the intoxicated person or another person, police should be able to take the individual into custody and, where appropriate, bring them to a hospital, withdrawal-management service, treatment facility or other safe setting rather than simply leaving the person in a public place.
Our request is simple: if severe alcohol intoxication in public can justify a safety-based police intervention, severe intoxication from fentanyl, heroin and other hard drugs should allow a safety-based intervention similar to alcohol, with a focus on protecting life, public safety and access to treatment.
1,570 people have already signed. Add your name below.
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