Thursday, August 29, 2024 — In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Timmins Summit will bring together elected leaders of small- to mid-sized municipalities, public health officials, drug policy experts, local service providers and resource industry leaders. Together they will begin developing the first municipally led, integrated standards for treatment, harm reduction, recovery, prevention and enforcement services, policies and strategies.

Municipalities across Canada are grappling with how to mount an effective response to substance-related crises and harms in their communities. Between January 2016 and September 2023, over 42,000 people living in Canada died due to apparent opioid toxicity. The overall death rate and negative impacts to health, mental health and well-being due to all substances are much higher.

Open substance use in public spaces, rising numbers of substance use–related hospitalizations and deaths, and a lack of affordable and stable housing are only a few of the challenges small- to mid-sized municipalities face as they attempt to better serve the needs of their communities.

The Timmins Summit is just the beginning of a multiphase initiative to work with communities to develop the standards. The standards will provide municipal leaders with a consolidated range of evidence-based options to enact locally. They will help them unlock vital government support, as well as reduce the growing polarization concerning this crisis.

When

• Thursday, September 5, 2024, 5 to 9 p.m.: Welcome reception, dinner and panel discussion
• Friday, September 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, September 7, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Main program, including presentations, panels and table discussions

Where

Conference Rooms 1 & 2
Best Western Premier Northwood Hotel
245-A Airport Road
Timmins, ON P4N 9C3

About CCSA

CCSA was created by Parliament to provide national leadership to address substance use in Canada. A trusted counsel, we provide national guidance to decision makers by harnessing the power of research, curating knowledge and bringing together diverse perspectives.

CCSA activities and products are made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada. The views of CCSA do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.

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