Although the Liberal government’s drug policies have been the subject of numerous debates in the House of Commons, the Conservatives offer few insights into the strategy they intend to implement if they form the next government.
Would a government led by Pierre Poilievre consider changing the application process for opening an injection site? The party’s addiction spokesperson, Laila Goodrige, says she cannot speculate on the future.
“But I believe this topic has been politicized in a way that pits different perspectives against each other. That’s not very helpful,” she says.
At an injection site, users can consume drugs under the supervision of a team who can intervene in the event of an overdose. These centers often provide drug testing, clean equipment to prevent the spread of disease, and refer patients to drug treatment centers.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has already expressed his opposition to any form of harm reduction strategy aimed at limiting the opioid overdose crisis, including decriminalization which aims to prevent users from ending up in prison or programs offering pharmaceutical products as an alternative to drugs sold on the streets.
Mr. Poilievre prefers to free addicts from their dependence on drugs by emphasizing treatment and recovery. In 2022, he promised to create a national program to distribute naloxone nasal sprays to counter the effects of opioids.
What about injection sites?
Mme Goodridge recalls that the Supreme Court has already decided.
“I recommend that you read his judgment,” she says.
In 2011, the Supreme Court ruled that the closure of the first injection site had violated consumer rights guaranteed by the Charter.
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