Ford rejects comparing booze in corner stores to safe-injection sites

Premier argues vendors have dealt with tobacco, lottery tickets for decades

- ROBERT BENZIE

Premier Doug Ford said two weeks ago that 10 Ontario consumption and treatment service sites will close because they are less than 200 metres away from schools and daycares.

Premier Doug Ford insists there’s “absolutely no comparison” between convenience stores selling booze near schools and the supervised drug consumption sites he is restricting.

With thousands of corner stores licensed to sell beer, wine and premixed cocktails as of Thursday, Ford scoffed at suggestions the retailers should face limits similar to those imposed on injection facilities or cannabis shops.

“Let’s be fair, you’re comparing a convenience store to a safe consumption site, injection sites,” the premier told reporters Tuesday in Brampton.

“Last time I checked, the convenience stores don’t have needles lying around the front of their stores,” he said, noting variety stores are “well equipped” for dealing with restricted products, having sold tobacco and lottery tickets for decades.

“They’re going to be very responsible. There’s absolutely no comparison.”

Two weeks ago, the premier decreed 10 of Ontario’s 17 consumption and treatment service (CTS) sites in Toronto, Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener, Ottawa and Thunder Bay will close by March 31 because such facilities must be 200 metres away from schools and daycares.

At the same time, he earmarked $378 million for 19 new “Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment” (HART) hubs that will boast 375 supportive housing units and addiction recovery and treatment beds.