This week, the Ontario Superior Court will hear a constitutional challenge brought forward by The Neighbourhood Group Community Services and two individual applicants.
This legal challenge is against the Government of Ontario’s so-called Community Care and Recovery Act — which, among other harms, will require a number of Consumption and Treatment Services sites to close on March 31, 2025.
In addition to the Applicants — The Neighbourhood Group, and Katharine Resendes and Jean-Pierre Aubry Forgues — and the respondent, namely the Government of Ontario, the court will also hear from a number of Interveners this week, including the HIV Legal Network and the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO).
The Interveners also include Aboriginal Legal Services and the Black Legal Action Centre (also known as BLAC) , both based in Toronto. Indigenous people and Black people living in Canada disproportionately experience all negative aspects of Canada’s punitive drug policies, particularly when it comes to interactions with law enforcement and experiencing barriers to healthcare and other services.
HIV Legal Network Co-Executive Director Sandra Ka Hon Chu had the opportunity to speak with Demar Kemar Hewitt from BLAC and Emily Hill from Aboriginal Legal Services about their Interventions in the days leading up to this week’s court challenge.
First up you will hear Sandra’s conversation with Demar, followed by her interview with Emily. Huge thanks to Demar and Emily for making space for us during such a busy and critical time.