Vigil mourning overdose deaths taken down by security at Queen's Park

Toronto Overdose Prevention Society/Facebook

Provincial politicians arrived at Queen’s Park on Monday morning to find countless rows of unmarked crosses.

The 1,265 crosses, which represent people who died from overdoses in Ontario last year, were set up as part of a vigil being hosted by the Toronto Overdose Prevention Society (TOPS) and the Toronto Harm Reduction Alliance (THRA).

The crosses were planted just two days after the federal government granted Ontario a six-month extension to determine the fate of overdose prevention sites in the province, further delaying overdose prevention sites from opening.

So many tears flowing at this morning’s vigil and really hard to look away as legislative security forces dismantle memorial honouring loved ones. Gratitude to @TorontoOPS and @NoHarmToronto for organizing this powerful action. #NoMoreDrugWar #HarmReductionIsLife pic.twitter.com/0y0D2gixtu

— Kathleen Kenny (@KathleenKenny) October 1, 2018

Powerful vigil this morning at Queen’s Park. 1265 wooden crosses represent 1265 Ontarians who have lost their lives to the opioid crisis. As Ford & Elliott extend their unnecessary review and delay OPS from opening, people are dying and families are destroyed. #ParkHP #onpoli pic.twitter.com/Euscdqc77g

— Bhutila Karpoche (@BhutilaKarpoche) October 1, 2018

“We have come to remind the government of what is at stake with their current ‘review,’ and commemorate the much-loved members of our community that we have lost,” reads a statement from TOPS.

The vigil was supported by Indigenous leaders, friends, families, and community members that lost their loved ones to remind the government about what’s at stake with the current review.

“Our government’s overriding priority is to ensure that all efforts to combat opioid addiction are designed to introduce people into rehabilitation and that those struggling with addiction get the help they need,” said Christine Elliot, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, in a statement about the review.

“That’s why our government has committed to investing $3.8 billion in mental health, addictions and housing supports over 10 years.”

However, hours after Monday morning’s emotional vigil, legislative security began taking down the crosses at Queen’s Park.

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