Category: PAN News and Events

Substance Use News, June 2025

Substance Use News provides a monthly collection of news and resources on the social, medical and political responses to the toxic drug supply crisis and harm reduction. To get the latest toxic drug safety alerts, visit Info for People Who Use Substances page from Toward the Heart. Get weekly substance use news by subscribing to our newsletter: scroll… Read more »

  June 17, 2025 The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, P.C., M.P. Minister of Public Safety House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, P.C., M.P. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 RE: The Strong Borders Act and its Harm to People Living with HIV and Other Marginalized… Read more »

Finding Joy: Celebrating Indigenous Artists

Since Indigenous peoples have been on the lands of Turtle Island, storytelling has been a way to connect. Stories share knowledge, values, history, and rituals. They aren’t all serious though; they also include humour and joy. They are told with spoken word, singing, drumming, carving; through beading; weaving; and celebrations. Contemporary Indigenous artists blend traditional… Read more »

June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day—a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. For the Métis, this day is more than a celebration, it’s an opportunity to honour our ancestors, our resilience, and the unique blend of Indigenous and European heritage that defines… Read more »

Join us! Taking Action on Viral Hepatitis virtual event

We look forward to welcoming you to Taking Action on Hepatitis. July 23, 2025. 8:30 – 12 Noon Pacific time. World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is an annual day of recognition, education, and advocacy on July 28th.  Let’s break it down is the theme of this year’s WHD: “Let’s break down the barriers holding us back… Read more »

Canada is on Indigenous lands. Another name used for Canada and the United States is Turtle Island, based on creation myths. International borders were established by non-Indigenous settlers. Indigenous peoples have been on the land for thousands of years, pre-dating colonial explorers in collaborative land use, establishing communities, governance structures, education, spiritual practices, and exchange… Read more »

This study is looking at how the digital world affects access to health services for populations in British Columbia that are more likely to be affected by sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI), such as HIV or hepatitis C. It also explores how community organizations are helping people navigate digital systems—and what support they need… Read more »

New Course! Walking with Truth And Reconciliation

In recognition of the start of National Indigenous History Month, PAN is happy to share a new resource: an online course to support our members and allies to reflect on their reconciliation journeys as individuals and organizations. PAN has worked with the team at Indigenous Perspectives Society (IPS) since 2021, learning from Executive Director Rachelle… Read more »

On May 9, 2025, the Government of British Columbia proclaimed the first-ever Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day, marking a step in the province’s commitment to eradicating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. This initiative underscores the province’s pledge to improving public health outcomes and addressing the challenges posed by viral hepatitis. Understanding Viral Hepatitis… Read more »

Substance Use News, May 2025

Substance Use News provides a monthly collection of news and resources on the social, medical and political responses to the toxic drug supply crisis and harm reduction. To get the latest toxic drug safety alerts, visit Info for People Who Use Substances page from Toward the Heart. Get weekly substance use news by subscribing to our newsletter: scroll… Read more »

Canada committed to the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Each province and territory is responsible for their own health services, and Action Hepatitis Canada (AHC) is tracking how each area is doing. On June 18 AHC Executive Director Jennifer van Gennip will dive into the… Read more »

The PAN team in coordination with Central Interior Native Health Society (CINHS) HASP Program, were thrilled to host an ancillary event at the Canadian Association for HIV Research (CAHR) conference in Halifax, NS, on May 1, 2025. Jennifer Demchuk (left) and Leanne Zubowski (right) from PAN, along with Jennifer Hoy (center) from CINHS HASP, led… Read more »