CLOSER LOOK: Ford government has private eyes scoping out drug consumption sites

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Tonight on 'Closer Look': As first reported by The Trillium at Queen's Park, the province's response to a lawsuit over supervised consumption sites has included hiring private investigators to snoop around.
Every weeknight, Village Media’s Scott Sexsmith sits down with one of our journalists to explore a compelling story they are covering. These in-depth conversations go beyond the headlines, helping viewers better understand how we gather the details that land in your local news feed.

On tonight’s episode of Closer Look: A "dirty move" by the Ford government.

As first reported by our Queen's Park team at The Trillium, the province has hired private investigators to probe two supervised consumption sites in Toronto — part of the government's response to a Charter challenge of its decision to close 10 sites and ban new ones.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones' office said the private eyes were hired "to gather additional evidence about the impact of these sites" in light of the lawsuit, but harm reduction workers and opposition politicians are criticizing the move as a "shocking" waste of taxpayer money.

SEE: Ontario hires PI firm to survey supervised consumption site neighbours

Joining us tonight is reporter Jack Hauen of The Trillium, who broke the story. You can read his coverage HERE.

Stay tuned for more episodes of ‘Closer Look’ every weeknight at 7 p.m. ​You can find all our previous segments HERE.

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