Ontario Chamber of Commerce Welcomes $378 Million Investment in Addiction Recovery Treatment, Cautions on Path Forward

(Toronto, August 20, 2024) – Today, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s (OCC) President and CEO, Daniel Tisch, released the following statement in response to the provincial government’s announcement of $378 million in new funding to establish nineteen new Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment Hubs across the province.

“Businesses across Ontario have been sounding the alarm on this public health emergency and its devastating impacts on our communities and economy. The Ontario Chamber welcomes the government’s decisive action to expand access to addiction treatment and recovery services.

“The OCC’s recent policy brief, Beyond Emergency Declarations, emphasized the urgent need for strategic and balanced interventions to address this crisis. While investing in recovery services is critical, a comprehensive solution must consider all approaches. We caution the government that it must keep evaluating all evidence-based strategies to save lives and connect people to the care they need.

“The OCC and its members stand ready to work with governments, healthcare leaders, and community organizations. By taking a collaborative, multi-faceted approach, we can turn the tide on this urgent crisis.”

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC’s mission is to convene, align and advance the interests of its members through principled policy work, value-added business services and broad engagement to drive competitiveness and sustainable, inclusive economic growth in the province.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carmona
Senior Manager of Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: (647) 234-0255