⁦ @JustinPicheh⁩ already has a great thread critiquing this legislation. There are a few things you should know about drug treatment courts. https://www.cp24.com/news/reforms-aim-to-reduce-over-representation-of-black-indigenous-people-in-jail-1.5313815

1) they are not diversion courts. 90% of folks in a dtc either drop out or are kicked out before they « graduate » making them prison delay programs, not prison diversion.

2) number one issue for folks in dtc is homelessness. If these folks had stable housing. Housing would meaningfully change their lives.

3) you must waive charter rights to be in a dtc including rights to due process and unreasonable search and seizure.

4) dtc uses prison for « therapeutic remand » for folks who have relapsed. If you’ve ever been inside a detention centre you already know there is nothing therapeutic about them and they are filled with drugs so the last place to put someone who is trying to get clean.

5) children and regaining custody of children are weaponized against women in dtc.

6) people don’t have to quit using substances in order to lead stable lives. They need housing, social supports, employment and family just like everyone else. If they had those things their lives would look very different.

7) there are so many conditions placed on folks in dtc (including to having relationships with other dtc participants) it is almost impossible to make it through without a single penalty for failing to abide.

8) thé services offered through dtc could be offered outside the cjs with the potential of helping way more folks without the threat of prisons. Dtc closes the barn door after the horse has run.