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He said these “harm reduction” strategies only encourage addicts to continue their drug use.

“You’re not helping them, you’re enabling them,” Mr. Ford said. “They’re going to smoke that crack whether you give them those crack pipes or not. They’re going to shoot that heroin whether you give them clean needles or not. If people want a change, it has to come from within.”

Mr. Ford has vocally opposed the city’s support of harm-reduction strategies in the past, including a program at the Seaton House shelter that distributes wine and cigarettes to addicts.

According to the drug strategy, such harm-reduction measures as “safer crack use kits” may prevent the spread of disease between users. In addition, they allow outreach workers to connect with addicts and build trust.

The strategy also calls for better public education, increased treatment programs and a 24-hour crisis centre to help addicts.

Mr. Ford said the city should concentrate on enforcement and rehabilitation measures.

“You have to get these people into rehabilitation and if they don’t want to go, well, then you just enforce the law. If it’s illegal, you arrest them. That’s the bottom line and if they have to dry out in jail — great,” he said.

Mr. Ford said problems in his own family have taught him “tough love” is the only way to battle drug use.

The councillor’s sister was shot and wounded during an altercation in her parents’ home. One of the men involved in the shooting was charged with cocaine possession.

“I know for a fact that tough love has worked and I’m talking from personal experience. If you just enable someone and give them a place to live and money, nothing changes,” Mr. Ford said.