2022-06 ILLEGAL DRUG USE HARM REDUCTION
Whereas #1
People are dying from drug overdoses at unprecedented rates in large part because the illicit drug supply is toxic and unpredictable; and
Whereas #2
Drug use is widely seen as a criminal justice issue instead of a health issue; and
Whereas #3
Isolation, physical distancing, and other COVID-19 measures are contributing to an increase in drug use; therefore, be it
Resolved #1
That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that harm from drug use be reduced addressed by:
a) Viewing drug use as a health issue
b) Ensuring a safe supply of drugs
c) Increasing the number of supervised consumption sites
d) Promoting a peer support program
e) Expanding the use of the overdose prevention app
f) Sustainably fund drug prevention and treatment programs
Resolved #2
That NCWC urge the Government of Canada to institute and promote the following to reduce the harm caused by psychedelic drug use:
a) Change policy frameworks so that they view problematic drug use as a health issue rather than a criminal justice issue
b) Ensure a safe supply by decriminalizing and regulating illegal drugs so that drug users are not obtaining them through the illicit drug market
c) Increase the number of supervised consumption sites
d) Provide peer support programs which allow for information sharing and assisted or supervised injection
e) Promote expanded use of the overdose prevention app to help make it safer for those that use drugs alone
f) Sustainably fund drug prevention and treatment programs
Resolved #3
That the NCWC urge their Provincial Councils advocate with their respective Provincial or Territorial Governments on this issue