10 H.Q. Summer 2026 A balanced system must therefore be capable of doing both: connecting people to care wherever possible, while also responding firmly to criminality, exploitation and conduct that threatens community safety. Recognizing the importance of treat- ment and recovery should not come at the expense of public safety and clear, consistent enforcement where it is required. THE PATH FORWARD Policing has changed and increasingly relies on discretion, collaboration and partnership, with officers using warnings, referrals, diversion and enforcement according to the circumstances presented. Wherever appropriate, individuals should be connected to treatment, recovery and social supports rather than drawn deeper into cycles of justice-system involvement. As Ontario’s drug policy landscape evolves, the test will be whether or not policy changes translate into timely access to care, stronger coordination across sectors and safer communities. Police services remain a critical part of that response. Officers are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing overdose, mental health crises or acute substance-related harms, placing policing at the intersection of enforcement, crisis response and access to care. For Ontario’s evolving drug policy framework to succeed, treatment-fo- cused models must be matched by real system capacity. Access to detoxification, stabilization, treat- ment, mental health care, supportive housing and recovery services must be timely, coordinated and available when people are ready to accept help – and the right service at the right time. Cross-sector partnerships between police, health care, com- munity agencies and social services will remain essential to building clear and effective pathways to care. Substance use disorder affects not only individual health, but the safety and well-being of families, neighbourhoods, businesses and frontline emergency services across Ontario. A balanced approach – one that expands treatment and recovery, maintains appropriate harm reduc- tion measures and preserves a strong focus on public safety – offers the best opportunity to reduce harm, restore stability and improve outcomes for both individuals and communities. OACP SUBSTANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE Chief Tim Farquharson, after over 25 years with the Peterborough Police Service, became the Port Hope Police Service Chief of Police in 2023. Farquharson is the first Vice President of the OACP and a Committee Pillar Lead for the Police Operations Pillar of the OACP. He is also a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Advisory Committee. Farquharson is an active member of many agencies dealing with mental health and addictions and has presented as an expert at several national and international events. Deputy Chief Natalie Hiltz is in her 31st year of policing, currently over- seeing operations for the Greater Sudbury Police Service. Hiltz serves as co-chair of the OACP’s Substance Advisory Committee and is known for her community-centred, progres- sive approach to leadership. She is a strong advocate for Community Safety and Well‑Being, as well as evidence‑based policing initiatives. Superintendent Ahmad Salhia has over 20 years of service with the York Regional Police and has amassed experience in a variety of frontline, investigative, intelligence and leadership roles. Salhia serves as vice chair of the Board of Addiction Services of Central Ontario and is also co-chair of the OACP Substance Advisory Committee. He currently oversees Marketing Communications and Brand, Strategic Services, Quality Assurance and Business Intelligence and Data Analytics.
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