Homelessness and Opioids

Aligned with AMO advocacy on the opioid crisis and homeless encampments, Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) have called for the provincial government to address the humanitarian crises of homelessness and mental health and addictions in their new “Solve the Crisis” campaign.  AMO supports OBCM’s campaign to draw attention to this crisis.  

Municipalities are on the frontlines of these complex social and health issues, but lack the resources, tools and expertise to solve them. The rising number of homeless encampments and the human toll of the opioid crisis are a symptom of deeper system failures that hurt Ontario's social and economic prosperity.  

Complex matters like homeless encampments and the opioid crisis underscore the critical need for a Social and Economic Prosperity Review. We need a municipal fiscal relationship that supports the foundations of a strong economy, sustainable communities and quality of life.  

National Summit on the Substance Use Crisis in Small Cities and Towns 

To further the discussion on the opioid crisis, the City of Timmins and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) have partnered to launch a multi-event initiative to address the impact of the substance use crisis on small cities and towns across Canada. The first event will be a national summit held in Timmins on September 5–7, 2024. 

The event will bring together Mayors and Councilors from municipalities with populations ranging from approximately 50,000 – 150,000 residents. AMO would encourage members to attend and gain insight into practical solutions to the opioid crisis impacting communities across Ontario and Canada.  

For additional information, please email Dr. John Weekes, CCSA Director of Knowledge Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships at jweekes@ccsa.ca.