Last week, PAN undertook a significant province-wide, non-partisan advocacy initiative during the 2026 BC provincial election by writing to all political parties and candidates to seek clear commitments on issues affecting people living with HIV, viral hepatitis, other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs), substance use, and the toxic drug supply. The letter reflected the collective expertise and priorities of PAN’s network of community-based organizations, allies, and people with lived and living experience from across British Columbia.
Through this advocacy effort, PAN promoted evidence-informed, community-centred approaches to health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, aftercare, and broader social supports. PAN called on political parties to recognize the essential role of community-based and peer-led organizations, strengthen health equity, reduce stigma and discrimination, address barriers created by poverty and housing instability, support the rights and safety of people engaged in sex work, and ensure equitable access to services in rural, remote, Indigenous, and underserved communities.
The initiative also sought concrete commitments on sustainable funding for community organizations, meaningful engagement of people with lived and living experience, compassionate public education, and comprehensive responses to the toxic drug crisis. By gathering and sharing party responses, PAN helped increase accountability, elevate community voices in the provincial election, and support informed civic participation among its members, allies, and the communities they serve.
Here is the letter sent to Premier Eby and the NDP.