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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 85

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 9, 2022 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 85 - Jun/9/22
Ms. Lisa Marie Barron (Nanaimo—Ladysmith, NDP)
  • Jun/9/22 5:12:58 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-5 
Madam Speaker, removing mandatory minimums, as is included in this bill, instead of decriminalizing personal possession of substances creates a system through which people struggling with substance misuse will still end up in the criminal justice system instead of in the health care system, where they can get the support they need. Why is the government only taking a half step with this bill and refusing to treat this toxic drug supply crisis like the emergency it is?
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Context: House Hansard - 85 - Jun/9/22
Ms. Andréanne Larouche (Shefford, BQ)
  • Jun/9/22 6:42:20 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill C-5 
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech. She mentioned examples of what is being done internationally. We know, for example, that the tough‑on‑crime approach did not work. It has not worked in Switzerland. Portugal, however, has a model for decriminalizing drugs that has worked well. As my colleague surely knows, in the case of Portugal, what has worked is that the whole system has really recognized the opioid issue as a public health issue. In Quebec, we share that vision. Community and social service workers are part of a system that shares this vision of restorative justice. I worked for a community organization that did this. However, what we lack is the means. I am talking about the financial means. It is important that the federal government do its part by increasing federal health transfers to 35% to help these organizations and to enable Quebec to reinvest in its health care system. I would like to hear what my colleague has to say about that.
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