The federal government is making it easier to set up supervised drug injection sites in Canada while cracking down on illicit shipments of fentanyl and the import of equipment used to make pills and capsules.
Health Minister Jane Philpott and Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale announced the proposed changes to the Controlled Drug and Substances Act after question period today.
Philpott is billing the changes as part of the Liberal government's overall effort to take Canada's drug strategy out of the realm of criminal justice and into the public health fold.
Canada currently has only two drug injection sites in Canada, both in Vancouver, and existing laws allow such sites to operate only in exceptional circumstances.
Philpott says the new law would make it easier for such sites to be established, provided they can demonstrate a compelling public health need and a lack of risk to public safety.
The new legislation would also lift a restriction that prevents border guards from inspecting packages that are under 30 grams in weight, provided they have reason to believe the packages contain illegal drugs.
Mayor Coderre, who's in favour of opening such sites, says he's happy with the news.
The city's been waiting for such news for two years.
"I'm happy, but impatient" said Coderre in a news release.
The release also says Montreal has plans to open 3 such establishments, as well as a mobile service.