Statement from Health Canada on the renewal of the exemption for the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre’s Supervised Consumption Services Facility

Statement

January 31, 2019 - Ottawa, ON - Health Canada

Today, Health Canada approved with conditions the renewal of the exemption for the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre’s Supervised Consumption Services Facility, in Calgary, Alberta.

As part of its assessment for renewal of this supervised consumption site, the Department took into consideration a number of factors, including the recent Calgary Police Service report on crime and disorder near the Sheldon M. Chumir facility.

The exemption includes conditions to address the needle debris, public disorder and neighbourhood safety issues raised in the Calgary Police Service report. The renewal is for a period of one year and the exemption will be reviewed in four months.

As part of its authorities, Health Canada can conduct inspections, impose terms and conditions when exemptions are granted, and revoke an exemption for any supervised consumption site. The Department will continue to monitor this site and its adherence to the established conditions.

While most evidence suggests that the presence of a supervised consumption site in a community does not result in an increase in crime, Health Canada takes the report of the Calgary Police Services seriously. The Department will continue to work with the Sheldon M. Chumir facility, as well as the Province of Alberta, to support life-saving services for those struggling with problematic substance use, while addressing the need to safeguard the safety and security of the community.

Contacts

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca

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