Health Canada ignored expert advice to expand access to safe drugs for opioid users, internal documents show (CBC)
The fifth estate obtained internal Health Canada reports that reveal the federal government was advised by its own experts to expand access to a greater range of safe and regulated drugs for people across Canada but that instead, at the height of the opioid overdose crisis, the government’s support for safe supply programs was watered down and eventually ended in March ...
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ReplyDeleteALLinBC — Zero-Cost Community Upgrade
BC already hands out naloxone kits (1,900+ sites, 398K kits shipped, 40K+ overdoses reversed). #ALLinBC builds on this:
How it works:
1️⃣ Return & Refill Kits — bring back used kits, get a free refill + quick training. Cuts litter, saves money, and keeps supplies flowing.
2️⃣ Drug Info Sheet — one recycled sheet inside every kit with real warnings:
Opioids → brain damage, 90% fatality/organ risk in 10 yrs
Stimulants → heart attack/cancer risk +50% in 1 yr
Sharing gear → HIV/Hep C risk 65%
Support & Help Numbers
Crisis/Kids Help: 1-800-668-6868
Detox (ConnexOntario): 1-866-531-2600
Rehab (iRecover): 1-877-387-4155
Tobacco Quit: STOPProgram.ca
3️⃣ Incentives — food vouchers or program credits for returned kits or completing training. Won’t affect EI/disability.
4️⃣ 3-Week Training Program — free, online & in-person:
Week 1: First aid + naloxone
Week 2: Senior/low-income check-ins + errands
Week 3: Lead mini teams for med drops & cleanups
Completing it opens paid local jobs ($20/hr, 10–20 hrs/week) using existing harm reduction funds.
5️⃣ Legal Safety — Good Samaritan law protects volunteers calling 911 or giving naloxone.
Big Picture: Reallocate ~10% of BC’s $49M harm reduction budget to create 5,000+ safe jobs, build community pride, honor veterans, and make neighborhoods safer.
💡 Plain English:
“#ALLinBC turns naloxone kits into tools for safety, recovery, skills, and community jobs — with drug warnings, help numbers, incentives, and training, all without new spending.”