THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay’s city council endorsed the decriminalization of simple drug possession on Monday, as it embraced a package of policies intended to tackle the opioid crisis that has hit particularly hard in the north.
Council also approved a $500,000 contribution from the Thunder Bay CEDC to support Lakehead University in its efforts to secure a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, and put its support behind the Gender Affirming Healthcare Act.
Council will meet again on Tuesday and Thursday for the first two of four detailed review meetings to consider changes to the draft 2023 budget proposed by city administration.
Learn more about the city’s budget process here.
City calls for drug decriminalization, increased addictions funding
Council voted unanimously to endorse a package of harm reduction policies, from increased funding for addictions treatment and safe supply, to the decriminalization of simple drug possession.
Councillors said the vote reflected the need for greater action from the province and feds to address an increasingly deadly opioid crisis responsible for 122 recorded deaths in the Thunder Bay district in 2021.
One councillor voiced discomfort with supporting decriminalization, but still gave her support to the resolution overall.
CEDC supports Lakehead’s proposed veterinary program
Council gave the okay to a $500,000 contribution from the Thunder Bay CEDC to support Lakehead University’s proposed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, which the school hopes to deliver in partnership with the University of Guelph.
The funds would support an estimated $12 million build, and are conditional on Lakehead securing other provincial and federal funding.
Council endorses Gender Affirming Health Care Act
Thunder Bay’s city council has lent its support to an opposition motion at Queen’s Park seeking to expand health coverage for transgender and gender diverse people.
Council voted unanimously on Monday to back the Gender Affirming Health Care Act, sending letters of support to local MPPs, the premier, and the minister of health.
The bill, proposed by NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, aims to create a provincial advisory committee on gender affirming care that would make recommendations on improvements to care for the trans community.
Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay president Jason Veltri asked council to take the step on Monday, calling it an issue of equitable health access.
“Outside of urban centres, access to gender affirming care is now even more difficult, with individuals having to travel to big cities to access care that should be available in their home towns.”
He said the recommendations are hoped to establish not just what procedures are considered medically necessary and covered under OHIP, but also to arm health care professionals with greater knowledge about care for trans people.
