Category: Advocacy, Policy, Public Health

  For the last 15 years, funding for HIV has stagnated at around $73 million per year. This falls far short of the value recommended by the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Health—first in 2003, and again in 2019. This group, made up of MPs from all the political parties, has now twice recommended… Read more »

  Canada Pavilion at AIDS 2022: resource hub and virtual sessions (pre-recorded videos)   The 24th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2022) will be held (in person and virtually) in Montreal, Canada, from July 29 to August 2, 2022. Each conference is an opportunity to strengthen policies and programs that ensure an evidence-based response to the… Read more »

  Canada Pavilion at AIDS 2022: In-person engagement via live sessions at the physical exhibit   The 24th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2022) will take place in person and virtually in Montreal, Canada, from July 29 to August 2, 2022. The Canadian Association for Global Health (CAGH) is coordinating the Canada Pavilion at AIDS 2022… Read more »

All-party Health Committee

  To: PAN Members and Allies Re: engaging with BC’s all-party Health Committee In the last week, peer groups, human rights groups and advocates are being approached to give briefings at the next round of BC’s recently announced all-party Health Committee, examining ‘the urgent and ongoing illicit drug toxicity and overdose crisis’. These are slated… Read more »

PHAC Resources: Monkeypox

  The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is working with provincial and territorial public health partners to investigate cases of monkeypox in Canada. Monkeypox is a viral disease. The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or the mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, nose, or mouth). Monkeypox can affect anyone who is… Read more »

UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board North American Regional Consultation for Indigenous Peoples living with and affected by HIV/AIDS   Aanii! Atelihai! Edlánat’e! Kwe! Sekoh! Tansi! Tawnshi Kiya! Cama-i! Halito! Hau!! Keshhi om a kuwaye! Osiyo! Ṣ ʼap kaij! Sangeriho! Ya’at’eeh!   Please share this widely with Indigenous peoples living with HIV, members of Indigenous key/priority populations… Read more »

The BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) has released Stimulant Use Disorder: Practice Update which provides clinical tips and introduces new evidence and approaches relevant for those providing care for individuals who use illicit stimulants. The guidance comprises of two parts: current treatment options and guidance on when trialling prescribed stimulants to reduce overdose risk… Read more »

  The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC) is engaging communities across Canada to improve public understanding of drug policy, promote a public health and human rights-based approach to drugs, and develop momentum for sustained and coordinated efforts to improve responses to harms related to substance use and public policies. To help us reach our goals,… Read more »

  It was big news on May 31st when federal Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Carolyn Bennett, and her provincial counterpart Minister Sheila Malcolmson, announced that BC’s application for an exemption to Section s. 56 (1) of Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act had been approved by Health Canada. The exemption will take effect… Read more »

MEDIA STATEMENT Health Canada’s landmark approval of “decriminalization” for BC raises concerns that many people who use drugs remain criminalized   June 1, 2022 – A growing group of drug policy and human rights organizations across Canada — comprising people who use drugs, health professionals, legal experts, academics, and others — say the Government of… Read more »

Substance Use News, May 2022

Substance Use News provides a monthly collection of news and resources on the social, medical and political responses to the toxic drug supply crisis. Visit our Substance Use and Overdose Response page for more information on advocacy and resources.  Info for People Who Use Substances: get the latest alerts, and tips on how to stay… Read more »