Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
@dsdp.ca
A group of physicians who care for people who use substances and advocate for safer, more compassionate, evidence-based healthcare policies.
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Today the BC NDP introduced Bill 31, the Mental Health Amendment Act, in response to an ongoing court case.
The BC Greens say the move is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involuntary treatment.
#bcpoli
Our statement ⬇️
The BC Greens say the move is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involuntary treatment.
#bcpoli
Our statement ⬇️
BC Greens question when the BC NDP will implement a full review of the Mental Health Act instead of tinkering around the edges - BC Green Caucus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 24, 2025 VICTORIA, B.C. – The BC Greens say the BC NDP’s move to amend Section 31 of the Mental Health Act is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involunta...
bcgreencaucus.ca
November 25, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Today the BC NDP introduced Bill 31, the Mental Health Amendment Act, in response to an ongoing court case.
The BC Greens say the move is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involuntary treatment.
#bcpoli
Our statement ⬇️
The BC Greens say the move is an opportunistic effort to protect its defence of involuntary treatment.
#bcpoli
Our statement ⬇️
You know you are on the right side of medical ethics when you need to get a law amended just to shield you from lawsuits for your activities.
#bcpoli
#bcpoli
November 25, 2025 at 1:57 AM
You know you are on the right side of medical ethics when you need to get a law amended just to shield you from lawsuits for your activities.
#bcpoli
#bcpoli
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
I contributed to this @cmaj.ca Commentary because:
1. Choosing control over care is a failure of imagination that invites despair; and,
2. Health equity requires advocacy.
#HealthEquity
#DecolonizeCare
#CareOverControl
@dsdp.ca @nobill53ab.bsky.social
www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.250910
1. Choosing control over care is a failure of imagination that invites despair; and,
2. Health equity requires advocacy.
#HealthEquity
#DecolonizeCare
#CareOverControl
@dsdp.ca @nobill53ab.bsky.social
www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.250910
Involuntary treatment for substance use: application of Kass’ ethical framework to Alberta’s Compassionate Intervention Act
Key points
In Canada, more than 50 000 opioid-related deaths have occurred since September 2024, mostly in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, where governments are all in various stages of develo...
www.cmaj.ca
November 24, 2025 at 5:31 AM
I contributed to this @cmaj.ca Commentary because:
1. Choosing control over care is a failure of imagination that invites despair; and,
2. Health equity requires advocacy.
#HealthEquity
#DecolonizeCare
#CareOverControl
@dsdp.ca @nobill53ab.bsky.social
www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.250910
1. Choosing control over care is a failure of imagination that invites despair; and,
2. Health equity requires advocacy.
#HealthEquity
#DecolonizeCare
#CareOverControl
@dsdp.ca @nobill53ab.bsky.social
www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.250910
“If the public at large accepts preventable mass deaths as inevitable, the system will maintain itself.” -Let This Radicalize You
November 24, 2025 at 12:38 AM
“If the public at large accepts preventable mass deaths as inevitable, the system will maintain itself.” -Let This Radicalize You
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
Vancouver mayor credits DTES task force with reducing overdoses. Here’s what public health experts say
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim continues to laud the impacts of a police-led task force focused on crime on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, claiming it led to a reduction in overdoses.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 20, 2025 at 6:25 PM
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Sounds as though the CCSA will not allow uncomfortable questions near the political appointees at tomorrow’s panel - I’m hearing Q’s are entirely pre-vetted.
While Alberta Recovery Model stalwart Cedars Recovery is a conference sponsor, here are the speakers at this afternoon’s Alberta Model talk:
While Alberta Recovery Model stalwart Cedars Recovery is a conference sponsor, here are the speakers at this afternoon’s Alberta Model talk:
November 17, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Sounds as though the CCSA will not allow uncomfortable questions near the political appointees at tomorrow’s panel - I’m hearing Q’s are entirely pre-vetted.
While Alberta Recovery Model stalwart Cedars Recovery is a conference sponsor, here are the speakers at this afternoon’s Alberta Model talk:
While Alberta Recovery Model stalwart Cedars Recovery is a conference sponsor, here are the speakers at this afternoon’s Alberta Model talk:
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
It’s infuriating.
The government asked experts for answers, got unanimous support for expanding safer supply—including compassion clubs—and then buried the findings.
They didn’t need more data. They ignored it.
Our families deserve honesty and real action, not political games.
The government asked experts for answers, got unanimous support for expanding safer supply—including compassion clubs—and then buried the findings.
They didn’t need more data. They ignored it.
Our families deserve honesty and real action, not political games.
November 17, 2025 at 9:29 PM
It’s infuriating.
The government asked experts for answers, got unanimous support for expanding safer supply—including compassion clubs—and then buried the findings.
They didn’t need more data. They ignored it.
Our families deserve honesty and real action, not political games.
The government asked experts for answers, got unanimous support for expanding safer supply—including compassion clubs—and then buried the findings.
They didn’t need more data. They ignored it.
Our families deserve honesty and real action, not political games.
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Safe supply would have saved thousands of lives. But the reality is that it’s extremely hard to access, making it unavailable to most people who are struggling, despite what politicians claim.
Please watch and share with others.
youtu.be/6XJ-r-M8Ifw
Please watch and share with others.
youtu.be/6XJ-r-M8Ifw
November 16, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Safe supply would have saved thousands of lives. But the reality is that it’s extremely hard to access, making it unavailable to most people who are struggling, despite what politicians claim.
Please watch and share with others.
youtu.be/6XJ-r-M8Ifw
Please watch and share with others.
youtu.be/6XJ-r-M8Ifw
People who use drugs are human beings, therefore they have human rights.
We applaud the BC Human Rights Commissioner for sticking to the science and being an unequivocal champion for the rights of our patients.
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
#bcpoli
We applaud the BC Human Rights Commissioner for sticking to the science and being an unequivocal champion for the rights of our patients.
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
#bcpoli
A human rights-based approach to the toxic drug crisis | BC's Office of the Human Rights Commissioner
The Commissioner’s position on the toxic drug crisis, calling for an evidence-based response that centers public health and compassion.
bchumanrights.ca
November 17, 2025 at 12:20 AM
People who use drugs are human beings, therefore they have human rights.
We applaud the BC Human Rights Commissioner for sticking to the science and being an unequivocal champion for the rights of our patients.
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
#bcpoli
We applaud the BC Human Rights Commissioner for sticking to the science and being an unequivocal champion for the rights of our patients.
bchumanrights.ca/resources/pu...
#bcpoli
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Health Canada convened an independent expert advisory group in 2020 to provide guidance on safer supply. Health Canada heavily redacted its final report, but unredacted version obtained by CBC shows the expert group said drug crisis is driven by prohibition and recommended expansion of safer supply
November 16, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Health Canada convened an independent expert advisory group in 2020 to provide guidance on safer supply. Health Canada heavily redacted its final report, but unredacted version obtained by CBC shows the expert group said drug crisis is driven by prohibition and recommended expansion of safer supply
Kudos to the team at the fifth estate. We especially appreciate the accurate description of the origins of safe supply prescribing. Many other things to like about this piece. We need multiple accessible forms of safe supply.
#notalladdictionmedicinespecialists
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
#notalladdictionmedicinespecialists
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
They’re at risk of dying from opioid overdose. The government cut funding that could help them | CBC News
As deadly drug overdoses climbed across Canada, decision-makers faced political backlash for funding programs that gave drug users prescribed opioids and, against their own experts’ advice, scaled bac...
www.cbc.ca
November 15, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Kudos to the team at the fifth estate. We especially appreciate the accurate description of the origins of safe supply prescribing. Many other things to like about this piece. We need multiple accessible forms of safe supply.
#notalladdictionmedicinespecialists
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
#notalladdictionmedicinespecialists
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
"Several studies and government reports have found that drug seizures are associated with increased risk of overdose, prevent people from accessing life-saving services or calling emergency services during overdoses, and increase harm to people who use drugs."
“People who are getting clicks and likes online and [we have] a reactive government that is responding to the moral panic to avoid getting voted out … so we have policymakers with extremely liberal backgrounds doing extremely conservative things to retain their position of power,” Ranger said.
“Politicians need to do better, and this case is really, really clear on that.”
Harm reductionists explain a key victory, as a Supreme Court of Canada ruling affirms protection from possession arrests for people at an OD scene.
@maddidellplain.bsky.social reports:
Harm reductionists explain a key victory, as a Supreme Court of Canada ruling affirms protection from possession arrests for people at an OD scene.
@maddidellplain.bsky.social reports:
November 13, 2025 at 7:31 PM
"Several studies and government reports have found that drug seizures are associated with increased risk of overdose, prevent people from accessing life-saving services or calling emergency services during overdoses, and increase harm to people who use drugs."
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
DULF co-founders Eris Nyx and Jeremy Kalicum were each found guilty of three counts of trafficking meth, heroin and cocaine this morning.
The pair are launching a constitutional challenge later this month of the CDSA and their convictions won't be entered until then. Story up shortly on @thetyee.ca
The pair are launching a constitutional challenge later this month of the CDSA and their convictions won't be entered until then. Story up shortly on @thetyee.ca
November 7, 2025 at 8:05 PM
DULF co-founders Eris Nyx and Jeremy Kalicum were each found guilty of three counts of trafficking meth, heroin and cocaine this morning.
The pair are launching a constitutional challenge later this month of the CDSA and their convictions won't be entered until then. Story up shortly on @thetyee.ca
The pair are launching a constitutional challenge later this month of the CDSA and their convictions won't be entered until then. Story up shortly on @thetyee.ca
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
“To pay for VicPD’s demands, the city is even looking at cutting a children’s book prize, and a poet laureate and youth poet laureate program that only costs $8,000 (keep in mind that VicPD spent $22,000 on a retirement party this year)” 🚨➡️ defundvicpd.org/2025/11/06/c... #yyj #DefundVicPD
City releases 2026 Draft Budget – big cuts proposed to make way for police funding
The City of Victoria has released the 2026-2030 Draft Financial Plan, along with some early budget deliberations by city staff. They’re thinking about cutting all sorts of things. The City is propo…
defundvicpd.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:07 PM
“To pay for VicPD’s demands, the city is even looking at cutting a children’s book prize, and a poet laureate and youth poet laureate program that only costs $8,000 (keep in mind that VicPD spent $22,000 on a retirement party this year)” 🚨➡️ defundvicpd.org/2025/11/06/c... #yyj #DefundVicPD
martlet.ca/potent-synth...
"Government intervention in medical decision-making has limited access to pharmaceutical-grade opioid tablets, [so] 'It’s not surprising that people are going to seek those tablets elsewhere.'"
"Government intervention in medical decision-making has limited access to pharmaceutical-grade opioid tablets, [so] 'It’s not surprising that people are going to seek those tablets elsewhere.'"
Potent synthetic opioid in counterfeit pills across Greater Victoria
Nitazene, estimated to be between 5 and 8 times stronger than fentanyl, has begun appearing in counterfeit prescription pills across the city
martlet.ca
November 6, 2025 at 5:19 PM
martlet.ca/potent-synth...
"Government intervention in medical decision-making has limited access to pharmaceutical-grade opioid tablets, [so] 'It’s not surprising that people are going to seek those tablets elsewhere.'"
"Government intervention in medical decision-making has limited access to pharmaceutical-grade opioid tablets, [so] 'It’s not surprising that people are going to seek those tablets elsewhere.'"
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
The City of Victoria might slash grants and programs across the board to make up for one single line item that's roughly equivalent to everything being cut. Can anyone guess what that single budget item is, which apparently isn't even up for debate? One guess.
November 6, 2025 at 4:51 PM
The City of Victoria might slash grants and programs across the board to make up for one single line item that's roughly equivalent to everything being cut. Can anyone guess what that single budget item is, which apparently isn't even up for debate? One guess.
“So much violence is justified as care for happiness.” -Sara Ahmed
November 3, 2025 at 12:30 AM
“So much violence is justified as care for happiness.” -Sara Ahmed
Former BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe lays it out with great clarity in this very worthwhile Fifth Estate episode @cbcnews.ca
Not only are there no standards with regards to what happens at residential treatment, there are no reported outcome measures.
youtu.be/wY_a8kkLRD4?...
Not only are there no standards with regards to what happens at residential treatment, there are no reported outcome measures.
youtu.be/wY_a8kkLRD4?...
The dark side of private rehab | Full episode | the fifth estate
YouTube video by the fifth estate
youtu.be
October 28, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Former BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe lays it out with great clarity in this very worthwhile Fifth Estate episode @cbcnews.ca
Not only are there no standards with regards to what happens at residential treatment, there are no reported outcome measures.
youtu.be/wY_a8kkLRD4?...
Not only are there no standards with regards to what happens at residential treatment, there are no reported outcome measures.
youtu.be/wY_a8kkLRD4?...
Reposted by Doctors for Safer Drug Policy
Our Parkdale supervised consumption site had near unanimous support at community meetings, 300+ residents who signed a petition in support, and the evidence on our side.
But Premier Ford is closing it regardless, and the results will be absolutely deadly.
www.torontotoday.ca/local/health...
But Premier Ford is closing it regardless, and the results will be absolutely deadly.
www.torontotoday.ca/local/health...
Province pulls funding for Parkdale supervised consumption site, forcing another closure
The move follows a spike in the number of clients using the west end site — and an increase in complaints from its neighbours
www.torontotoday.ca
October 27, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Our Parkdale supervised consumption site had near unanimous support at community meetings, 300+ residents who signed a petition in support, and the evidence on our side.
But Premier Ford is closing it regardless, and the results will be absolutely deadly.
www.torontotoday.ca/local/health...
But Premier Ford is closing it regardless, and the results will be absolutely deadly.
www.torontotoday.ca/local/health...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Is anyone able to put us in touch with Drs. Karissa Brabant and Sean Groves?
#Saskpoli
Is anyone able to put us in touch with Drs. Karissa Brabant and Sean Groves?
#Saskpoli
'Absolute garbage': Sask. physician blasts plans to add involuntary addictions treatment | CBC News
Dr. Karissa Brabant, who works with homeless people and those suffering from addictions at a clinic in Moose Jaw, says forced treatment will fail and waste money.
www.cbc.ca
October 26, 2025 at 5:14 PM
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Is anyone able to put us in touch with Drs. Karissa Brabant and Sean Groves?
#Saskpoli
Is anyone able to put us in touch with Drs. Karissa Brabant and Sean Groves?
#Saskpoli